Search intensifies for missing Southern California girl, 15

Family, friends and concerned strangers are ramping up their search for a 15-year-old Monterey Park girl who vanished while riding her bike to a relative’s home last week.

Allison Chao was last seen on security video around 5:30 p.m. on July 16 when she left her father’s house in the 200 block of North Ynez Avenue and started riding a blue mountain bike toward her aunt’s home in San Gabriel, roughly three miles away.

The trip should have taken about 20 minutes. However, around 8 p.m., Alison’s aunt called her father to say she hadn’t arrived, family members said.

“If she ran away, which I don’t think she would – she’s not like that, just come home,” pleaded Annie Chao, Alison’s mother. “It’s going to be okay. I just want to make sure that you’re safe. I just want to find her.”

Monterey Park Police said they were working with the family, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses, but paused to investigate tips they received since the family made a public plea to help find her.

Among the developments was a video showing Alison riding her bike in El Sereno roughly an hour after she left her father’s home.

Police have not said if they suspect foul play.

Family and friends have been canvassing neighborhoods, going door to door and posting “Missing” signs. Another organized search was scheduled for Monday evening.

Allison is around 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 96 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She left her home wearing a purple T-shirt, black shorts, and dark shoes and was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone with information is urged to call Monterey Park Police at 626-573-1311.

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