15-year-old Utah girl, Alisa Petrov, was found alive in Colorado, 6 weeks after she disappeared. Learn how authorities tracked her and arrested three suspects.
Missing Utah Girl Found Alive 500 Miles Away After Six Weeks
South Jordan, Utah – A 15-year-old girl who disappeared six weeks ago has been found alive and safe — hundreds of miles from home.
Alisa Petrov, a teenager from South Jordan, Utah, was located in Colorado Springs, nearly 500 miles away. She surprised authorities by walking into a local police station, ending the weeks-long search.
Disappearance and Troubling Messages
Alisa vanished on April 21, shortly after leaving her school. Before going missing, she sent a chilling message to 41-year-old Samuel Teancum Mitchell, saying:
“I’M RUNNING AWAY. Please don’t contact me.”
Investigators say their online conversations had become sexual. This raised serious concerns and made Mitchell a prime suspect in the case.
How Police Tracked the Suspects
Police recovered key messages from Alisa’s iPad, which helped them identify Mitchell. He has now been charged with sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor.
Two other men, William Taylor Glines and Matthew Nicholas Menard, are also under arrest. Authorities believe all three men were connected to Alisa’s disappearance and may face additional charges.
Family’s Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Alisa’s family had offered a $20,000 reward for any information that could bring her home. While she is now safe and in good health, questions remain about how she got to Colorado and whether she was held against her will.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full story.
Why This Matters
This case highlights the dangers of online communication between teens and adults, and how quickly a situation can turn dangerous. Parents and guardians are urged to monitor their children’s digital activity and encourage open communication.
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