HOUSTON — A 12-year-old Houston girl who was the focus of a statewide AMBER Alert has been found safe, according to her family and the Houston Police Department.
A spokesperson for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office told KHOU 11 that they are speaking with a "person of interest" in the case but aren't releasing the name because no charges have been filed.
A search was launched when the girl was reported missing on Monday after she took her mother's truck without permission, the family said.
According to HPD, the girl was seen around early Monday at the Crystal Inn & Suites near the Eastex Freeway/59 and Little York Road. Her family believes she was lured there.
According to the AMBER Alert issued late Tuesday morning, the 12-year-old was believed to be with 26-year-old Ariel Anderson in a vehicle with a Louisiana license plate. Law enforcement said she was believed to be in "grave or immediate danger."
A family member said the girl was dropped off at an unknown location on Tuesday afternoon and later reunited with her family.
What to do when someone goes missing
Thousands of people go missing every year across the United States, and there are organizations and law enforcement agencies that work to bring them home to loved ones.
The Texas Center for the Missing is an organization with Houston roots that works to educate loved ones and authorities on finding the lost.
From resources that deal with missing children to endangered adults, the nonprofit organization has compiled a wealth of resources to help.
You should also notify your local police department, sheriff's office or contable's office.
