The search for a missing 12-year-old girl continues, with her family fearing she may be a victim of trafficking. On Tuesday morning, Houston police questioned three people after a pursuit that began the night before ended without locating the child, according to HPD.
The chase started around 8 p.m. on Monday at a gas station on the 8100 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard, near Hobby Airport, and ended approximately five miles away at a residence on Longwood Garden Way.
Family members had asked officers to conduct a welfare check at a Valero gas station on MLK Boulevard. Although the girl was reported as a runaway, concerns about trafficking arose when she was spotted with a man. When officers approached the gas station, the suspect reportedly fled in a black Chrysler 300, sparking a pursuit.
The officers lost sight of the vehicle, but shortly after, HPD’s FOX helicopter located the car pulling into a driveway on Longwood Garden Way. Three people at the home were detained for questioning; they claimed they didn’t recognize the car or its occupants, nor did they see the suspect or the girl.
One of the detained individuals, Javhari Taylor, described the moment officers entered his home. Taylor said he saw security footage showing the suspect and the girl entering and leaving his house. According to Taylor, the suspect broke through his fence and pried open a window before leaving through the front door. He said he and his brothers were unaware of the intrusion, as they were upstairs listening to music and playing video games.
Despite these efforts, HPD officers were unable to locate the missing girl or the driver.
Initially, police on the scene reported that the child had been found safe. However, HPD’s John Cannon later clarified that the girl remains missing. She is described as a Black female, 4’11”, and 120 lbs, though a photo has not been released. The suspect is described as a Black man in his 20s and is wanted for felony evading in a motor vehicle, with police noting he endangered others during the chase by speeding and running red lights.
The family has informed HPD that the girl has a history of running away, meeting up with other males, and dealing with mental health issues. They strongly believe she is being trafficked.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing child or the suspect is urged to contact HPD.
