Loved ones are searching for a 13-year-old Southern California girl who has been missing for days.
Scarlett Patricia Acuna, 13, was reported missing on Aug. 23, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Acuna, who is considered critically missing, was last seen on the 10000 block of Lou Dillon Avenue in South Los Angeles around 3:23 p.m.
She is 5 feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black shorts, and brown shoes.
WHAT HAPPENED
Acuna was last seen in South Los Angeles on Aug. 23 and has not been heard from since.
Her family has expressed serious concern for her well-being, while investigators are working to determine where she may have gone after she was last seen.
It remains unclear where Acuna may have been heading at the time of her disappearance.
What She Was Wearing
According to police, Acuna was last seen wearing:
- A black hooded sweatshirt
- Black shorts
- Brown shoes
She is described as:
- Age: 13
- Height: 5 feet
- Weight: Approximately 100 pounds
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Brown
Why She Is Considered Critically Missing
LAPD has classified Acuna as a critically missing person.
A “critically missing person” can include someone who has no established pattern of running away or disappearing, someone in critical need of medical attention, or someone who may be the victim of a crime, foul play, kidnapping or parental abduction.
The designation can also apply to a person whose mental impairment prevents them from safely caring for themselves or creates an immediate danger to their safety or the safety of others.
The Search
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen Acuna or knows anything about her disappearance to come forward.
LAPD’s Southeast Division is investigating the case and is seeking information that could help determine her whereabouts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD’s Southeast Division at 213-972-7942.
During non-business hours or on weekends, information can be reported by calling 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can also be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Investigators will continue working to determine Acuna’s whereabouts and gather information about her movements since she was last seen.
Family members and authorities are urging anyone with potentially relevant information to contact police, even if the information seems minor.
The investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as authorities continue searching.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where Acuna may have gone after she was last seen.
- Whether anyone has had contact with her since Aug. 23.
- Whether surveillance footage or witnesses can help establish her movements.
- What circumstances led to her disappearance.
- Where she may currently be located.