UNION COUNTY, N.C. — 16-year-old Lauren Heath has been found safe and reunited with her family after being missing since Oct. 13, Monroe Police said.
She was seen on Ring doorbell camera leaving her Indian Trail home. Several billboards with her photos and description were up in the area for the last week.
Police told Channel 9 she was located in Kirkwood, Missouri, which is about 750 miles from her home.
At this time we do not know the circumstances of how and why she was found in Missouri.
Channel 9′s Jonathan Lowe to her father tonight, who was about to board a plane to pick up his daughter.
“We’re just overwhelmed with joy, it’s just hard to explain the feelings that we have right now, I can barely talk, my heart is beating out my chest just to know my baby’s been found, located safe, that’s the main thing, we’re just truly overjoyed, words can’t express how we feel right now,” he said.
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“The response from the public and the assistance from other agencies, law enforcement, public and private entities has been tremendous and immeasurably helpful during this investigation. Our detectives have worked tirelessly to get to this resolution, and I could not be more proud or pleased with their efforts,” said Monroe Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard.
The investigation is still open.
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Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.