Police said on Friday that the father of a 15-year-old girl from Southern California who had been missing for nearly a week had been taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping and other offenses.
In relation to Alison Jillian Chao’s disappearance, Jeffrey Chao is also charged with fabricating a police report, according to the Monterey Park Police Department. In a mystery that sparked citizen searches and calls for aid, Alison was reported missing on July 16 but was recovered safe on Tuesday.
“The department’s dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies were pivotal in resolving this critical situation and ensuring Alison Chao’s safety,” Monterey Park police stated. “The Monterey Park Police Department Investigations Bureau is still currently investigating this incident and has no further comment at this time. We want to assure the community of Monterey Park that the department remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and well-being of residents. We appreciate your continued support during this investigation.”
Hannah Bui, the father’s family law attorney, claims that Alison’s mother has exclusive legal custody of her due to mental health issues. As of last week, Annie Chao was given interim physical custody, according to Bui.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Jeffrey Chao expressed gratitude to friends and the community for their assistance in finding his daughter. According to the father’s lawyer, there is no suspicion of foul play or kidnapping.
“We’ve been really worried about where she’s been,” the father stated. “We really appreciate what everyone’s done and helped out with.”
After being last seen in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles at 6:20 p.m. on July 16, Alison vanished, according to the police. She was last seen in the 4400 block of Collis Avenue.
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According to police and family, the girl had left her father’s home in Monterey Park that afternoon and was riding a blue mountain bike and carrying a black backpack as she made her way to her aunt’s house in San Gabriel. However, she never made it there. Several surveillance cameras in the area captured her riding her bike.
She was located on Tuesday morning when someone in the Glendale neighborhood recognized her and contacted the police. The teen’s parents are currently going through a custody battle and divorce. Alison, according to Jeffrey Chao’s lawyer, resided with her father; but, just prior to the adolescent’s abduction, her mother was given temporary custody.
Information regarding Alison’s disappearance is still unknown.
