The Hall County Sheriff's Office is urging the public to assist in the search for Maria Gomez-Perez, a 12-year-old girl reported missing from her Gainesville home since May 29. Maria was last seen around 10 a.m. on Westside Drive; she is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and between 100 to 110 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes, and was believed to be wearing a bright blue shirt at the time of her disappearance, as reported by Atlanta News First.
Authorities have corrected prior misinformation, dispatching a new photo and updated flyer with accurate contact information for reporting tips. The Sheriff's Office mentioned that immense local, state, and federal resources are being invested in the search, with over two dozen investigators dedicated to locating Maria and ensuring her safety.
In response to community concerns about the perceived effort in the search, the Sheriff’s Office clarified their unwavering determination to find Maria. They explained that while a Levi's Call (Georgia’s Amber Alert) was not issued due to the case not meeting specific criteria, they have fully embraced the Media Advisory service provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to disseminate information. They have received tips, which have been swiftly acted upon, although none have yet led to Maria's return.
Community members invested in the search have volunteered and continue to spread awareness through social media sharing the flyer and urging others to be vigilant. The Sheriff's Office expressed their thanks for the communal support while reinforcing the importance of sharing concrete tips with the proper authorities. Any tips can be called anonymously to 770-503-3232 directly to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) or emailed to [email protected]; the public can also contact 911 or 770-536-8812 with pertinent information.
