Missing Oklahoma girl found in Kenmore had previously gone missing in Akron

A teenage girl missing from Oklahoma since December was found Monday in the company of an adult relative in Akron, the U.S. Marshals Service announced. The girl had previously been the subject of a missing persons report in February 2021.

The Marshals Service's Missing Child Unit recovered the 17-year-old girl, who was reported missing from Woodward County, Oklahoma, about 100 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.

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In February 2021, she had gone missing in Akron and after being found ended up in the custody of a court-appointed guardian in Oklahoma, said Deputy U.S. Marshal Alex Rutter.

In the recent case, "she was not abducted," Rutter said, though he added she was considered to be in danger.

The Akron Police Department and the Marshals Service last week obtained information she was with a relative in Akron's Kenmore neighborhood. The relative was also arrested on outstanding warrants during the recovery and further charges are pending investigation, the Marshals Service said. The girl will remain in Summit County until Oklahoma authorities can pick her up.

Pete Elliott, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, said officers involved in the case should be commended.

“The speed at which the investigation developed over the last week, and a recovery was able to happen in this case was exceptional. Our officers should be commended for recovering this child swiftly and safe."

Those with information on a missing or endangered juvenile should call the U.S. Marshals at 1-866-492-6833. Callers can remain anonymous. Additional information is available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at missingkids.org.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Oklahoma girl found in Kenmore had previously gone missing in Akron