UPDATE:
Destiny Ayala-Patterson, a missing 16-year-old, was located in Trenton, New Jersey, according to police. The Chesapeake Police Department says they worked with the U.S. Marshal's Service to safely locate Patterson on Monday, May 8.
News 3 spoke exclusively with Destiny's father, who said, "We're just so thankful that she's okay, that she was found, and they confirmed that she wasn't injured."
Full story here
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The Chesapeake Police Department is still looking for a 16-year-old runaway.
Destiny Ayala-Patterson was last seen on Tuesday, March 28 around 1 p.m. leaving Indian River High School in a sedan, according to police.
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The day Destiny went missing is one her father will never forget. Joe Patterson said that day – March 28 – was his birthday.
“She said, ‘Happy birthday,’ and we said we loved each other, and she went on her way to school,” he said.
Later that day, detectives said the 16-year-old left school early and got into someone’s car. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since that day two weeks ago.
“It’s not a car we recognize,” Patterson said. “We have no idea who this person is.”
The family is concerned for her safety.
“I believe that she is in danger,” Patterson said. “None of her friends know where she’s at right now.”
Several days after police said Destiny ran away, they found the car and questioned the driver. Investigators said they’re still figuring out what the exact relationship is between the pair as they continue searching for the teen.
Destiny’s family, meantime is desperately trying to track her down as they struggle to find answers.
“I think we’re just all very confused and not understanding what’s caused this to happen,” said Patterson. “She’s a good kid. She’s a kid that’s full of love. She has a younger sibling that she loves on all the time.”
Patterson said the sophomore played on the school’s basketball team, is an honor roll student, and a loving older sister.
He’s praying she’ll come home soon.
“She’s my first daughter,” Patterson said. “She’s the one that made me a father, and it’s very difficult at this time not knowing where she’s at and not knowing if she’s eaten, or if she’s safe, or who she’s with right now.”
CPD released the following description of Destiny: “Destiny is a Hispanic female, approximately 5’07’’ tall and 150 pounds with dark hair. She was last seen wearing a green and tan blouse and blue jeans.”
Information on Destiny was released at the request of her family, who told police that they have been unable to contact her.
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The department is asking anyone with knowledge of Destiny’s whereabouts to call them at 757-382-6161. Citizens can also call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Patterson said people can also contact him at u88xgt@yahoo.com.
On Monday, April 17, the family is holding a press conference to bring awareness to their daughter's disappearance. It is open to the general public and will take place at 1765 S Military Hwy in Chesapeake. It starts at noon and the family asks that anyone living in the area come to show their support.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
