Cops Recover Missing 14-Year-Old Girl in Portsmouth After High-Stakes Search

A missing teen from Athens County is safely back with her family after Portsmouth Police launched an urgent search that spanned multiple locations and involved several law enforcement agencies. But while this story had a safe ending, officers warn that kids who run away—whether by choice or due to circumstances—can face serious dangers on the streets. It started when Portsmouth Police were called to a home on Chillicothe Street with a tip that a missing 14-year-old girl from Athens County had been spotted—possibly with another juvenile. A woman at the scene told officers the girl might actually be staying at a residence in Sciotoville. But before police could even reach that address, new information came in: the girl had just been seen near the Family Dollar in Portsmouth. Employees told officers she may have even swiped some hair dye before leaving. The girl’s mother, who was monitoring her daughter’s social media accounts, told police the teen and a companion had been convinced by someone online to meet them at Kroger to pick up train tickets—possibly to travel out of the area. Alarmed, officers combed the downtown area and quickly spotted three juveniles matching the description in front of the former Marting’s Building. Police took the three teens into custody and confirmed that one of them was indeed the missing girl. After coordinating with Athens County authorities, Portsmouth officers were told to release her to her mother, who was en route to pick her up. However, the situation was far from simple. One of the boys with her had a warrant through Jackson County Juvenile Court and was picked up by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The second teen was taken into custody by Children’s Services before Jackson County Juvenile Court sent a probation officer to pick him up. The missing 14-year-old told officers she ran from home due to abuse and warned that she would likely run again if forced to return. Portsmouth Police immediately contacted Athens County Children’s Services to report the girl’s claims, but were again instructed to release her to her mother. This case is a stark reminder that just because a child leaves home voluntarily doesn’t mean they’re safe. Teens on the run can fall prey to online predators, exploitation, drug use, and other high-risk situations—especially when they’re out of their home county and in unfamiliar places. Thanks to quick thinking, community tips, and coordination between multiple police departments, three juveniles were recovered safely. But law enforcement urges parents, guardians, and the public to stay alert—because when a child goes missing, every moment counts.

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