by MESA, ARIZONA — Authorities have issued a statewide Turquoise Alert for a missing 16-year-old girl from Mesa after her family reported that it was “out of character” for her not to return home. Police are now asking for the public’s help in locating her and ensuring her safe return.
According to the Mesa Police Department, the missing teen has been identified as Yolyn Hermios, who was last seen on Saturday, November 1, at around 6:50 p.m. near Broadway Road and Dobson Road.
The alert, issued on Sunday, November 2, describes Hermios as an endangered missing juvenile. Officials say she has not been seen or heard from since that evening, and her family has expressed growing concern for her welfare.
Family Describes Disappearance as Unusual
Police say Hermios’ sudden disappearance has alarmed her loved ones, who told investigators that it is completely out of character for her to be gone for an extended period without contacting anyone.
“She has not been seen or heard from since,” the initial police bulletin read. “Family is concerned for her welfare since it is out of character for her to be gone for an extended period of time.”
At the time she went missing, Hermios was wearing red shorts, a black shirt, and black shoes, according to the alert. She is described as a Pacific Islander female, standing 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair featuring green faded highlights and brown eyes.
No Updates Yet in Ongoing Search
Despite the rapid issuance of the Turquoise Alert, Mesa police have not reported any major leads in the case. Four hours after the alert was released, a spokesperson for the City of Mesa Police Department told PEOPLE, “I do not have any updates at this time.”
Authorities have asked anyone with information about Hermios’ whereabouts to come forward immediately, noting that public assistance is critical in the early stages of a missing person investigation.
What Is a Turquoise Alert?
The Turquoise Alert system is a statewide public notification program designed to locate missing and endangered individuals quickly through rapid dissemination of information.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Turquoise Alerts aim “to locate the missing endangered person through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in the safe and expedient recovery.”
The system was established under “Emily’s Law”, named after 14-year-old Emily Pike, who went missing in January 2023 from a group home in Mesa. Tragically, Pike was later found dismembered in trash bags near the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, a case that prompted lawmakers to implement new alert protocols for vulnerable missing persons.
The law was created “to honor and memorialize the life” of Emily Pike, who was a San Carlos Apache Tribal member, ensuring that similar disappearances are treated with urgency.
Criteria for Issuing a Turquoise Alert
Under AZDPS guidelines, a Turquoise Alert can be issued only if the missing person meets specific criteria. The individual must be under the age of 65 and missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
Additionally, the investigating agency must have already used all available local resources before escalating the case statewide. The alert cannot be issued if the person is believed to be a runaway—unless there are aggravating factors suggesting danger.
Authorities must also determine that the individual could be in danger, in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or otherwise in peril. Furthermore, there must be information available that, if shared publicly, could assist in locating the missing person safely.
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Community Urged to Stay Alert
Mesa police are urging residents to remain vigilant, check security cameras and doorbell footage, and report any possible sightings of Hermios immediately.
Local volunteers and social media users have also joined the search efforts, resharing the police-issued photo and alert details in hopes of expanding the reach of the message across Arizona.
Community advocates say cases like this highlight the importance of quick public engagement in missing person investigations. “Every minute counts when a young person disappears,” one volunteer noted. “The faster we share their image and details, the better the chances of bringing them home safely.”
As of Monday, no foul play has been confirmed, but police say they are keeping all investigative options open as they continue their search.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mesa Police Department or dial 911 immediately. For more updates on developing crime and safety stories from across the U.S., visit race-day-live.com.
