The Kalamazoo community has been urged to assist in the search for a missing teenager, Xitlali "Ruby" Cruz, who was reported to have left her home in the early hours of Monday. The 16-year-old was last seen in the vicinity of the 3400 block of West Michigan Avenue at approximately 4:45 a.m., as per statements from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. WWMT described Cruz as five-foot-three with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes, and note that she had a "sparkly" backpack at the time of her disappearance.

A widespread search has been conducted around the area she was last seen, yet Cruz remains unlocated. Issuing a statement obtained by WZZM13, police have continued to pursue leads and have called on anyone with potential information to come forward. While details of her clothing at the time are unknown, the distinct sparkly backpack she took with her could serve as an identifiable item for the public to recognize.

Appealing directly to the community, the mother of the missing girl, Iris Barraza, expressed her longing for her daughter's safe return. "Just let her know she won’t be in trouble, we just want her back safe," Barraza told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Cruz, as reported by her mother, has no electronics with her, reducing the likelihood of tracing her through social media activity.

Authorities emphasize the gravity of this situation and are pooling resources in the hopes of locating Cruz. Surrounding law enforcement agencies have been looped in, keeping a vigilant lookout for the girl. Additional information or sightings of Cruz should be reported to the Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. Anonymous tips regarding her whereabouts can also be submitted through their website, according to information from MLive. The community's cooperation is essential as every moment bears weight in the continued search for Xitlali Cruz.