Missing 15-year-old Monterey Park girl found safe outside ABC7
GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- A 15-year-old girl who went missing in Monterey Park last week was found safe Tuesday morning outside ABC7's office in Glendale.
Alison Jillian Chao was reported missing the afternoon of Tuesday, July 16.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE LATEST UPDATE ON THIS STORY
According to a security guard at ABC7, the girl was walking and had been followed by someone in a car who recognized her as a missing minor and called police.
The Monterey Park Police Department, who is handling the investigation, released a statement, saying it "extends its appreciation to community members and the many local, state and federal partners for their assistance during the investigation."
Chao reportedly left her home on a bike a week ago Tuesday around 5:30 p.m. She was headed to her aunt's home in San Gabriel but never arrived.
The girl's father, Jeffery Chao, and her aunt held a press conference in the afternoon to express their appreciation to the public for their help searching for Alison. The family's attorney said they were limited in being able to answer questions about her situation because of pending litigation.
The family confirmed that Alison's mother last week was granted full custody of her on a temporary basis. Her aunt said she believes Alison ran away because she did not want to be with her mother.
The family isn't sure where she spent the last week.
"I really appreciate everyone coming out," said Alison's father, Jeffery Chao. "I'd really like to thank all the friends, the community that came out and helped find her. We've been really worried about where she's been. And really appreciate what everybody's done and helped out with."
The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services said it is bound by state confidentiality laws to not discuss whether it has had any contact or involvement with Alison and her family.
Statements were released later Tuesday by Alison's mother and by Alison's court-appointed attorney.
Statement from Alison's mother
The statement from her mother, Annie Chao, was released by her attorney. The full statement can be read here.
It reads in part:
"I am incredibly relieved that Alison has been found safe. My love for Alison is unconditional and unwavering. Alison is my only child and she means everything to me. I understand that there was a good samaritan who helped to escort her to the police and I specifically want to thank that person for their kindness."
She also said misinformation has been posted online about Alison and their family and she urged people to stop posting.
"Alison is a young girl and her feelings about my divorce from her father are understandably complicated, but she has a family (both my side and her dad's side) that loves and adores her. She is incredibly talented, intelligent, and loving.
I will always do my best to protect Alison's interests, no matter the circumstances and regardless of the stones that may be thrown at me."
Statement from Alison's attorney
Attorney Emily Robinson was appointed by the court to represent Alison in May. Robinson's full statement can be read here.
It reads in part:
"We have an extremely competent judge who has thoroughly examined this case from inside out during the course of multiple court hearings that have occurred. Based upon my advocacy for Alison, in consultation with her medical professionals, along with evidence presented to the court, which has included testimony from both parents, the judge has made determinations that are solely in Alison's best interest, including awarding Alison's mother, Annie Chao, sole decision making authority regarding Alison's mental health and sole physical custody of her."
Robinson also said there have been social media posts made with inaccurate information that hindered the investigation when she went missing. She is asking the social media platforms to take them down.
