Missing Utah Teen Walks Into Police Station Six Weeks Later and Shocks Everyone
A 15-year-old girl named Alisa Petrov from Utah went missing for almost six weeks. This is the story of how she disappeared, how many people searched for her, who helped, and how she finally came home safe. Alisa’s story reminds us all to be careful online and to help each other in hard times.
Alisa Petrov Disappears After School
On April 21, 2025, Alisa Petrov left her school in American Fork, Utah. She was only 15 years old. Her family lived in South Jordan, a city not too far away. When Alisa did not come home that day, her parents became very worried. They called the police. The police started looking for Alisa right away.
The South Jordan Police Department made a report. They said Alisa was a “runaway.” This means she left home or school without telling her parents. But the police were also worried that Alisa was in danger. They said she was an “endangered juvenile.” They told everyone: “Any knowledge of her whereabouts should be reported to Law Enforcement immediately.”
The police used Facebook to tell the public about Alisa’s disappearance. They wanted as many people as possible to help look for her. They shared a photo of Alisa and wrote about where she was last seen. They said she was seen leaving her school. Then, she bought some things at a local gas station. After that, she got on a UTA train. People saw her get off the train at Provo station.
How Alisa Traveled and Who She Talked To
The police said Alisa tried to get help from strangers. She wanted to go to Las Vegas. She asked several people to help her with her travel plans. This made the police even more worried about her safety.
The police also learned that Alisa had been talking to people she met online. She used many social media apps and chat sites. This is why the police were worried that someone online might have tricked her or tried to hurt her.
Alisa’s parents were very scared. They started a special website to ask for help. They asked people to share any information they had. They also wanted people to pray for Alisa to come home safe.
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Police Work Hard to Find Alisa
The police did not stop looking for Alisa. They checked camera videos. They talked to people who saw her. They followed every clue they found. The police also worked with the FBI from Salt Lake City. They wanted to use all their tools and people to bring Alisa back safely.
On April 29, the police put out a new message on Facebook. They told everyone that Alisa was still missing. They shared more information about her. They said she had “walked away” from her school and used a train to travel. They hoped someone would see Alisa and call the police.
The police also found out that Alisa had talked to some adults online. These adults were from different states. The police began to look for these people to see if they knew where Alisa was.
Arrests Made During the Search
During their search, the police found out about two men who talked to Alisa online before she disappeared. These men were from far away places. One man was named Matthew Nicholas Menard. He lived in Miami, Florida. Police charged him with several crimes. These crimes included “enticement of a minor,” “criminal solicitation,” and “aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.” This means he was accused of trying to get a young person to do something wrong or dangerous.
The second man was named William Taylor Glines. He was from Texas. He was also charged with “enticement of a minor,” “criminal solicitation,” “attempted aggravated exploitation of a minor,” “aggravated exploitation of a minor,” and “sexual exploitation of a minor.” The police believed both men talked to Alisa before she left school on April 21.
A third man, Samuel Mitchell from Herriman, Utah, was also arrested. He was charged with “sexual exploitation of a minor.” Police said he was put in jail while they continued their investigation. The police wanted to make sure that anyone who talked to Alisa online and tried to hurt her would not be able to do it again.
The police told Alisa’s parents every step they took. They worked together to find her. The family was very thankful for all the help from the police, the FBI, and their community.
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Alisa Found Safe in Colorado
On June 1, 2025, something amazing happened. In the evening, a young girl walked into a police station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She told the officers her name was Alisa Petrov. The police checked her information. It really was Alisa!
The South Jordan Police Department shared the good news right away. They said in a statement: “In the evening hours of June 1, 2025, a young female voluntarily made contact with the Colorado Springs, Colorado Police Department and identified herself as Alisa Petrov.” They checked to make sure Alisa was healthy and safe. She was okay and not hurt.
The police called Alisa’s parents right away. They told them that their daughter was safe in Colorado. The police and Alisa’s parents started working together to bring her back home to Utah.
How The Community Helped in Alisa’s Search
While Alisa was missing, her parents did not give up hope. They started a website called Findalisa.com. They shared updates about Alisa’s case. They asked people to help by sharing her story on social media. Many people from Utah and other places followed the story. They sent in tips and information to the police.
The website thanked everyone who helped. It said: “Thank you everyone for all your help! Thank you for sharing the news, thank you for following, and thank you for the tips! Alisa walked into a police department today on June 1, 2025. She was gone for almost six weeks.”
Alisa’s parents were very grateful. They thanked the police, the FBI, and their friends. They also thanked someone named Jaz from the Missing In America Network. They said Jaz gave them “the best emotional support in such stressful situations.” They also thanked the local community for “praying” for Alisa’s safe return.
The Importance of Online Safety
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Alisa’s story is a reminder that being safe online is very important. Sometimes, people we meet online are not who they say they are. They may try to get kids or teens to run away, meet in person, or do things that are not safe. Alisa’s parents and the police want everyone to know that you should never talk to strangers online or share personal information.
If you ever feel scared or unsafe, tell a trusted adult right away. If you see someone in trouble, tell a grown-up or the police. It is always better to be safe and ask for help.
How Police Found Alisa
The police used many ways to find Alisa. They watched camera videos from the places Alisa was seen. They followed her steps from the school to the gas station, then to the train. They asked people at the train station if they saw her. They asked people in Provo and other cities for help.
The police also looked at Alisa’s online messages. They tried to find out who she talked to and what was said. They arrested the adults who may have talked to her in bad ways. These arrests helped the police learn more about where Alisa might have gone.
The police worked with the FBI. They also asked for help from police in other states. They shared Alisa’s picture and story across the country. Many people helped by sharing Alisa’s photo online and by looking for her.
Alisa’s Family Shares Their Feelings
Alisa’s parents shared their feelings on their website. They said they were scared while Alisa was missing. They were worried every day. But they felt very thankful for all the help they got.
They wrote: “Thank you everyone for all your help!” They said the police and FBI worked very hard. They thanked their friends and the community. They also thanked people who prayed for Alisa’s return.
Alisa’s story shows how important it is to help each other. When someone is missing, it takes many people working together to bring them home.
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What Happens Next for Alisa
Now that Alisa is found, she will go home to her family in Utah. The police will keep working on their case. They want to make sure that anyone who tried to hurt Alisa is brought to justice.
Alisa’s parents are glad she is safe. They hope her story will help other children and families. They ask everyone to be careful online and to talk to their parents if they ever feel unsafe.
Lessons We Can Learn from Alisa’s Story
Alisa’s story teaches us many things. First, it is important to always let your parents or teachers know where you are. If you want to go somewhere after school, tell your family. Never leave school or home without telling an adult.
Second, be very careful about talking to people online. Not everyone is kind. Some people pretend to be someone they are not. They might try to trick you. If someone online asks you to meet them or do something you are not comfortable with, tell an adult.
Third, if you ever feel scared or lost, you can always go to the police. The police are there to help you. That is what Alisa did. She went to a police station and told them who she was. Because of that, she was able to get help and go back to her family.
How Communities Can Help When a Child Is Missing
When a child goes missing, the whole community can help. People can share the missing person’s photo and story. They can keep an eye out in their neighborhoods. They can call the police if they see anything important.
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Alisa’s family was thankful for all the people who prayed and helped. The police and FBI worked hard. Friends and strangers cared. Because of everyone’s work, Alisa was found safe.
Thank You to All Who Helped
Alisa’s story has a happy ending because many people cared. Her parents did not give up. The police and FBI worked night and day. People in Utah and across America helped, too.
The family said a special thank you to the local community: “Also special thank you to our local community for Praying!” The power of people working together helped bring Alisa home.
Final Thoughts on Alisa’s Safe Return
Finding Alisa safe made everyone very happy. Her family, friends, and the people in her town were all thankful. Alisa is now safe with her family. The police are still working to make sure she stays safe.
Alisa’s story helps us remember to always be careful, to tell adults where we are, and to help each other. When a community works together, amazing things can happen. Alisa’s safe return is proof that hope and teamwork make a big difference.
If you ever see someone who needs help, or if you ever feel unsafe, remember you are not alone. There are people who care and want to help, just like they did for Alisa.
Alisa’s family, the police, and many helpers worked together to make sure she is safe again. Thank you to everyone who cared and helped bring Alisa home.
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