After a 10-day search, Atlanta resident and expecting mother, Victoria Harris was found safe, authorities confirmed. According to a report by WSBTV, the 25-year-old who suffers from a mental disorder and was several months pregnant, was last seen leaving Piedmont Hospital on May 16. Harris, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, was deemed a danger to herself prior to her disappearance.
The Atlanta Police indicated on Monday night that Harris had been located. Her finding became a reality due to two ambassadors from the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District who recognized Harris from news coverage and ensured she was safe until authorities arrived, as noted by a family spokesperson. While the police have not disclosed much, details came from a family representative who said that Harris was found around 6 p.m. by the ambassadors in Woodruff Park, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Harris was involuntarily committed to the hospital over concerns for her well-being, as stated by her sister, Brittaney Bethea. After an indefinite stay was expected, Harris was discharged with no phone, identification, or access to support services. “It’s very frightening, knowing that she’s pregnant with a growing baby and she doesn’t have the care that she needs," Bethea relayed to FOX 5 Atlanta.
After the ordeal, the family released a statement thanking the community, detectives, and journalists who helped search for Harris. They gave special thanks to the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District ambassadors for their care and attention in finding her. The family also highlighted the importance of having support for people in crisis and encouraged anyone in need to call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for help. They plan to investigate the circumstances of her hospital discharge and are pushing for changes to better protect vulnerable individuals.
Harris’ family is now focused on providing her the necessary behavioral health and prenatal care she requires in this crucial time. Piedmont Hospital has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Harris' discharge and subsequent disappearance, but her family remains hopeful that their ordeal will shed light on the need for improved patient care practices. As the investigation continues, further information about Harris's whereabouts during her absence remains unshared with the public.
