UPDATE: The girl has been found.
SANTA CLAUS — Police in southern Indiana say the U.S. Marshals Service is assisting them in an investigation into a girl missing since nearly a month ago.
The 15-year-old girl was reported missing July 21 and is believed to have left Indiana, though it's not clear exactly where she may be, Santa Claus Police Chief James Faulkenburg told WRTV.
Initially, police were investigating the case as a runaway — but details would later emerge that led investigators to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to Faulkenburg.
"We believe that someone here in Indiana knows where she's at, and we're just trying to locate that person," Faulkenburg said.
Faulkenburg added that the child may be in Florida, or may have been at one point. Investigators are still working to confirm that.
The U.S. Marshals Service and several other law enforcement agencies, including some in Florida, have assisted Santa Claus police in their search, U.S Marshals have been involved for about the last week and a half, Faulkenburg said.
The NCMEC has also played a role in gathering leads, he added.
"My biggest concern is that she's 15 years old. At this time, it's been so long ... we're not really sure what the nature of this is," Faulkenburg said.
The girl was described as about 5'1" and 120 pounds with light brown hair and blue eyes.
Faulkenburg asked that anyone with information on the girl whereabouts to call the Santa Claus Police Department at 812-937-2340 or email him at James.Faulkenburg@townofsantaclaus.com. Tips can also be submitted to the NCMEC at 800-843-5678.
-
How authentic German culture made Carmel's Christkindmarkt #1 yet again
For the fifth time in its eight-year history, the Christkindlmarkt was named by USA Today as the top Holiday Market in the United States.
Indy volleyball coach in viral video charged after allegedly sexting a minor
Indianapolis volleyball coach Levi Garrett, who was confronted by YouTuber JiDion in a viral video, has been charged after allegedly sending explicit images to a minor.
Greenfield father arrested after toddler found outside in diaper in cold weather
A 20-year-old Greenfield man is facing felony charges after his toddler was found wandering outside wearing only a diaper in freezing temperatures Monday afternoon.
Indiana launches 'Smart SNAP' banning sugary drinks, candy from food benefits
Indiana will become one of the first states in the nation to restrict SNAP food stamp purchases of sugary drinks and candy when new rules take effect January 1, 2026.
