A girl believed to be about 6 years old was found alone early Tuesday on Southern Avenue SE near the Maryland line and is now in the care of authorities. Police say the child may be nonverbal and, for now, are listing her as a "Jane Doe" while they work to confirm who she is. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests had been reported as of Tuesday.
Where and when she was found
According to NBC4 Washington, officers found the girl in the 1300 block of Southern Avenue SE at about 1:45 a.m. The outlet reports that police have released photos and detailed what she was wearing in hopes of tracking down her family or guardian.
Who is investigating
The case is being handled by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Engagement Division. Investigators are asking anyone who might have seen the girl or knows who she is to call (202) 727-9099.
What police released
In a post on X, the DC Police Department shared a photo and described the child as Black, about 3'0" to 3'5" tall and weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police said she was wearing a blue shirt, black pants with pink stripes and pink Crocs, and noted that she "may be nonverbal." The post again urges anyone with information to call the department’s tip line.
How to help
Neighbors along Southern Avenue and commuters who drive through the area are being asked to review doorbell camera and dashcam footage and to contact police if they spot anything that could help piece together how the girl ended up alone in the street. Officials say the department has been using social media more frequently to circulate missing-person and related alerts, a strategy highlighted by the Bowser administration as a way to get tips to investigators faster.
