Dearborn Heights police searching for missing teen after leads dry up
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (FOX 2) - Dearborn Heights police are asking for the public's help locating a missing teenager they believe may be involved in sex trafficking in metro Detroit.
The 16-year-old disappeared in March and hasn't been seen in almost a month, worrying police who say they have run out of leads.
What we know:
Tasia Keaton went missing on March 14 when she left Vista Maria, a juvenile center that troubled children stay at. She was later seen at Beech Daly and Joy roads on March 17.
According to Dearborn Heights police, she was then picked up by an individual who they believe abducted and assaulted her at a hotel. She was later brought back to same area and was seen sleeping near a shed in Detroit.
Missing Dearborn Heights teen: Police ask for public's help finding Tasia Keaton
Police believe Tasia may be involved in sex trafficking — saying they know two different men on two different occasions picked her up and are believed to have assaulted her shortly after she ran away.
Three days later on March 17, she was picked up by a separate man and taken to a hotel in Redford where police believe she was assaulted again.
Since then, she has not been seen.
"We're in fear that somebody has this young lady and knows her whereabouts but won’t release her to us, and won't allow us to come speak with her," said Chief Ahmed Haidar.
As the days go by, Keaton's loved ones grow more concerned.
"We started assuming the worst, honestly," said her aunt, Trisha Wade.
FOX 2: "Do you think she’s alive?"
"I’m hoping," she said.
Wade says Tasia has run away in the past — but never more than a day.
FOX 2: "What would you say to Tasia?"
"Just to come home," Wade said. "I’m not mad. Your sisters and your grandmother just want you home."
What we don't know:
Keaton's livelihood and her whereabouts are unknown.
Dearborn Heights police say they are worried by the lack of available information that has come into their department since Keaton's disappearance.
"We just kind of ran out of leads. It's been almost close to a month, and we haven't had no activity, no leads, no tips and that's really concerning to us," Haider said.
They don't believe Keaton has left the state.
Missing: Police searching for teen girl who ran away from Vista Maria on March 14
Police are asking for the public's help finding an endangered missing teen whop has not been seen or heard from since March 14.
What you can do:
Dearborn police are calling on the public to help in any way they can.
"Anything small that we can get from the public, we'd love to get that information so we can continue to follow up and locate this missing juvenile," said Haider.
Keaton is a white 16-year-old female who is 5-foot-2-inches, 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen in gray jogging attire and brown boots.
There is also a $5,500 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
Police say she may have switched up her appearance.
"There’s a possibility she cut her hair or maybe changed her hair color to purple," Haidar said. "She’s had a history of doing that in the past."
If you have seen her or have any information, please contact the Dearborn Heights Police Department 313-277-6770, Crime Stoppers or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or 911.
The Source: Previous reporting and the Dearborn Heights Police