Missing Girl Alison Chao Found in California: Everything We Know

Alison Chao, who was reported missing earlier in July, has been found safe, according to authorities.

Chao, 15, was found on Tuesday morning outside the office of local news station in Glendale, California, following significant public attention and concern.

The Context

Chao left her residence in Monterey Park, California, a week ago. Chao, who left on her bike, was headed to a family member’s home in San Gabriel, but never arrived.

A dedicated website, alisonchao.com was launched to aid in the search efforts, as was an Instagram page @helpfindalison.

What We Know

In a statement shared on the Facebook page of the City of Monterey Park, police said, “Alison Jillian Chao, reported missing last Tuesday, July 16, has been safely located this morning with the assistance of the Glendale Police Department.”

“Monterey Park Police Department extends its appreciation to community members and the many local, state and federal partners for their assistance during the investigation.”

Newsweek has reached out to a representative of the Monterey Park Police Department via email for comment.

Chao was found outside the offices of ABC 7, which reported that a security guard at the news station saw the girl was walking by. Chao had been followed by someone who called the police after recognizing her as the missing minor.

Alison Chao’s mother, Annie Chao, called that person “a good Samaritan” and thanked them for “their kindness,” in a statement shared with Newsweek.

“I am incredibly relieved that Alison has been found safe,” the statement said. “My love for Alison is unconditional and unwavering. Alison is my only child and she means everything to me.”

Newsweek has reached out to Annie Chao via her attorney for additional comment.

At a news conference Tuesday, Jose Romero, a lawyer and spokesperson for Alison’s father, Jeffery Chao said, “What is undisputed factually was that she left of her own accord on her bicycle.”

Newsweek has reached out to Romero via his website for comment.

NBC News reported that at the news conference, Alison Chao’s aunt and a 15-year-old friend of the Alison’s said they believe that the the child ran way after learning she would be placed in the full-time custody of her mother.

This custody arrangement was confirmed to Newsweek in a statement by Alison Chao’s attorney, Emily Robinson: “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.”

Newsweek has reached out to Alison Chao for comment via Robinson.

In the statement from Annie Chao, she stated that: “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.”

What’s Next?

Alison’s attorney has criticized social media users who are posting about the case. “This is a very complex situation that should not be in the public forum,” Robinson said.

“It is being rendered even more damaging to Alison by misleading and inaccurate social media posts from third parties that have virtually no understanding of the facts.”

Annie Chao echoed this sentiment in her own statement: “There is a great deal of misinformation that has been posted online regarding Alison and my family by a small number of people.”

She also said, “I will continue to communicate with law enforcement authorities and I hope to have a better understanding regarding the circumstances surrounding Alison’s disappearance very soon.”

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