A Santa Clarita teen who has been missing for more than a week was found safe and sound in Downtown Los Angeles Thursday afternoon, family said.
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“Somebody had seen my Facebook page ‘Maria Espinola WHERE ARE YOU?’,” said Maria Spargisiore, Maria Espinola’s aunt. “Someone saw her and offered her food and water and called the police. Maria was taken over to the LAPD office on 6th street. Her dad is on his way to pick her up.”
Espinola went missing from her Saugus home around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 28.
“At least we have her,” Spargisiore said. “She’s (on her way) home and she is not hurt.”
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Maria Espinola, 17, of Saugus, left her home on the 27400 block of Garza Drive on Sunday around 5:30 p.m., according to her mother, Leticia Espinola.
Sheriff’s Station officials have been notified, according to Lt. Tom Bryski of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Officials are investigating whether Maria Espinola might have voluntarily run away from home. They have been notified.
Her mother said the Bowman High student has a history of mental health issues, and she’s concerned for her daughter’s well being.
Leticia Espinola said school authorities have notified.
The school has also offered to help put up fliers at school with her picture and description so that student who may not know her can be on the lookout, according to school officials.
“We share the concerns of Maria’s family, friends and school community,” said Gail PInsker, Hart district spokeswoman, “and we hope she is found safe and we look forward to having her back at school.”
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.She was last seen near the intersection of Arroyo Seco and Decoro Drive in Saugus on Sunday.
Maria said her daughter has run away before, and the last time, she was found about a block from her home with no recollection of what happened, Leticia Espinola said.
“I know she’s not mentally well enough to be outside (alone),” the mother said.
Deputies take an average of about one missing person report every day in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to numbers from last year, officials said.
Anyone who might have information is asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’sStation at 661-255-1121.
Teenage Mental health is nothing to take lightly. This case obviously needs more attention. It won’t be long until she’s an adult- less than 1 yr. What to do then, Mom and Dad? Silly to look for someone who isn’t lost.