After nearly two weeks of uncertainty, 14-year-old Erica Long has been found safe, according to an announcement from the Aurora Police Department on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said a 26-year-old man, believed to be involved in Erica’s disappearance, was identified and taken into custody. During questioning, the man informed investigators that Erica was in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and apprehension. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Denver, HSI Denver, and the Kremmling Police Department helped detain the suspect, while the FBI Las Vegas and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department played a key role in locating Erica.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and that charges against the man are pending.
Background:
Erica Long had been missing since the evening of June 15. She was last seen around 8:45 p.m. leaving her home near East Dry Creek and South Gartrell Road in Aurora, Colorado.
In the days following her disappearance, Aurora police partnered with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to expand their search and use federal resources. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also issued a nationwide advisory.
At the time, Erica’s family offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
She was described as 5-foot-4, weighing 130 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair and a Henna tattoo on her left forearm.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to contact the Aurora Police Department at 303-627-3100 or reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
The case remains under investigation.
Reference: 14-year-old out of Aurora missing since June 15 found safe