Teenage Girl Missing for a Week Found Safe in Monterey Park
- A teenage girl who had been missing for a week in Monterey Park, California, has been located safely.
- Her safe return was confirmed by her father's attorney.
- The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and reappearance remain under investigation.
Monterey Park authorities confirmed that a teenage girl, missing for a week, has been located safe. The announcement was made by her father’s attorney, who organized a news conference on Tuesday, expressing relief over her safe return. The Monterey Park Police Department thanked community members and various agencies for their support during the search. The girl was last seen on July 16 in the El Sereno area while riding her bike to her aunt's house in San Gabriel. Concern grew when she failed to arrive, prompting the police to initiate a search around 9:30 p.m. that evening. According to her family, the girl may have run away after learning she would be placed in her mother’s custody temporarily amid her parents' divorce. During the news conference, an aunt and a 15-year-old friend shared their beliefs regarding the circumstances of her disappearance. The aunt, who requested anonymity, emphasized her private nature, while the friend’s identity was withheld due to his age. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services had been involved with the family prior to the incident and was present at the police department where the girl was found. Community efforts to locate the girl included posting flyers and organizing search parties. Volunteers, like Guy Hashimoto, expressed their desire to assist in any way possible, highlighting the community's commitment to supporting the family during this distressing time.