In a collaborative effort spanning multiple states, the Texas City Police Department has joined Utah authorities in the search for a missing teenager. Alisa Petrov, a 15-year-old girl from Utah, has been missing since April 21, and the case has since gained traction beyond state lines. Scrutiny intensified after a cybertip was received from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, according to a Click2Houston report.
The Texas City law enforcement's involvement, which includes their Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Criminal Investigations Division, and Crime Suppression Unit, began as of yesterday, per the same source. Alisa stands at 5 feet 3 inches, weighs 122 pounds and has brown hair and eyes. When last seen, she was wearing baggy jeans, a gray "Harvard University" T-shirt, black hoodie, and carrying a dark school backpack. There are indications that Alisa may have been attempting to reach Las Vegas, Nevada, her last known direction of travel.
A news release from Texas City police, without specifying the reasons for their involvement in the case, mentioned their dedication to protecting youth, as per KHOU. The investigation was initially led by South Jordan Police Department which observed Alisa at a gas station then boarding a UTA train exiting at the Provo station. She has reportedly been asking individuals for help in getting to Las Vegas and may have formed connections with certain people met online through social media and chat apps.
South Jordan police described Alisa as an endangered runaway, and the concern for her safety has mobilized community actions including prayer services and distribution of posters seeking information on her whereabouts. Texas City police, while underscoring their commitment, pledged to keep the public informed as the search progresses. We "remain committed to protecting youth," the Texas City police affirmed, in words captured by KHOU. Authorities urge anyone with information about Alisa's location to call 911 or contact their local police department.
