Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating a 12-year-old Pasadena girl who has been missing since Tuesday.
The California Highway Patrol issued an Ebony Alert for Semaj Washington on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department on Thursday.
Washington was last seen in Pasadena at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, according to authorities.
Officials said she was believed to be traveling on foot when she was last seen.
Authorities have not released additional details about where Washington may have been headed, why she disappeared or whether investigators have identified a specific location where she may currently be.
The alert is intended to quickly notify the public and encourage anyone who may have seen Washington to contact authorities.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Washington is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds.
She has black hair and brown eyes.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Washington was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt with white writing, light blue jeans and black shoes.
Authorities said she may also have been carrying a shark-print backpack, a potentially useful identifying detail for anyone who believes they may have spotted her.
The CHP issued the alert after Pasadena police requested assistance in locating the missing girl.
No information was immediately released indicating that Washington was traveling with another person or using a vehicle.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The circumstances surrounding Washington's disappearance remain unclear.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed where she was last seen in Pasadena beyond the city itself, nor have they provided information about a possible destination.
Because Washington is only 12 years old, officials are urging anyone who may have information to report it immediately rather than attempting to approach or investigate the situation independently.
The Ebony Alert system is designed to help locate missing Black youth and young adults when authorities believe they may be in danger or when their disappearance occurs under suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
A cautious view is that the alert does not, by itself, establish that Washington has been abducted or that a crime has occurred. Authorities have not released details explaining why she disappeared, whether investigators suspect foul play or whether she may have left voluntarily. Until Pasadena police or CHP provide additional information, the public should rely on the official description and alert details rather than speculation about what may have happened.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The search for Washington is continuing, with authorities asking residents in Pasadena and surrounding communities to remain alert for anyone matching her description.
People should pay particular attention to the clothing and backpack description provided by CHP, as those details could help identify Washington if she is seen in a public place.
Anyone who sees Washington or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating her disappearance and reviewing any information or potential sightings reported by the public.
The circumstances of Washington's disappearance and her possible destination remain unknown.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where exactly in Pasadena was Washington last seen?
- Where was she believed to be heading?
- Why did she disappear?
- Is she still in Pasadena?
- Is she traveling alone?
- Is she still carrying the shark-print backpack?
- Has anyone reported a possible sighting?
- Is there surveillance footage that could help investigators?
- What circumstances led authorities to issue the Ebony Alert?
- Has any evidence suggested that Washington may be in immediate danger?
Missing Person Information
Name: Semaj Washington Age: 12 Last Seen: Aug. 18, 2026, around 12:15 p.m. Location: Pasadena, California Height: 5 feet, 4 inches Weight: Approximately 120 pounds Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Clothing: Black long-sleeved shirt with white writing, light blue jeans and black shoes Possible Item: Shark-print backpack Last Known Transportation: Believed to be on foot Alert: California Ebony Alert Agency: Pasadena Police Department / California Highway Patrol