After a widespread search effort, 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao, who had been reported missing, was found safe thanks to the actions of a good Samaritan.
The Monterey Park Police Department launched a missing person investigation on July 16 for Chao after she never arrived at a family member’s home in San Gabriel.
Missing person flyers were shared both in person and online via alisonchao.com and the Instagram page @helpfindalison. Both platforms provided updates and a form for reporting sightings with details. Family, friends, community members, and strangers rallied to help find her.
One of those flyers with Chao’s photo caught the attention of a woman who unexpectedly saw her walking in Glendale, prompting her to approach the missing girl.
“What struck me immediately was how self-possessed she was. Sound of mind. Very articulate, very clear on what the situation was,” the good Samaritan named Rachelle told ABC7. “She was very clear on, ‘I’ve come to ABC to tell my story. No one else will listen to me.'”
She called the police and followed Chao for several blocks until they reached the station. An ABC7 security guard also saw Chao walking and called the police. Glendale police arrived shortly after.
According to the Monterey Park Police Department, Chao has been safely located with the assistance of the Glendale Police Department and a good Samaritan. The website now features an update: “Alison has been found!” in big pink letters across the top of the site.
“I am incredibly relieved that Alison has been found safe,” Chao’s mom, Annie Chao said in a statement. “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 said she will forever be grateful to all of the volunteers who walked the streets putting up flyers, knocking on doors to check Ring cameras and spreading the word through social media to help locate Chao.
Chao’s father, Jeffrey Chao also thanked those who helped her.
“We’ve been really worried about where’s she’s been at and really appreciate what everybody’s done,” he told ABC7.
The mother said she will continue to work with law enforcement to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding Chao’s disappearance. She does want to reiterate there is a great deal of misinformation has been posted online regarding the family.
Chao’s parents are going through a divorce, and her mother has been granted sole physical custody of their daughter, along with exclusive decision-making authority regarding her mental health.
The girl’s attorney, Emily Robinson, made a statement stating this situation should not be discussed in a public forum because it is damaging to Chao.
“Upon being made aware of these posts, I have reported them to the social media companies on which they are hosted in the hopes that the companies will quickly act and take them down due to the inaccuracies contained therein,” Robinson said. “The posts are rife with misrepresentations and false statements.”
Annie Chao stated her daughter’s feelings about the divorce are complicated but she has a family on both sides love and adore her.
“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,” she said.
The department extends its appreciation to the community members and the many local, state and federal partners for their assistance during the investigation.
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