Missing Sixteen Year Old Female Located in Rhododendron

The girl was located in Rhododendron and taken into protective custody until her mother arrived.

16-year old Maelissa Larson is missing Photo: Tigard Police

(TIGARD, Ore.) - Police say a tip from a citizen in Rhododendron late this afternoon ultimately resulted in locating sixteen-year old Maelissa Larson of Tigard.

The girl was reported missing on Saturday after her mother discovered she left her home along with her teenage sister.

Late Saturday night it was reported that the girls got separated near Sandy, Oregon. The sister was picked up by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and returned to her family.

Today's development brought the search to an end. Sandy Police say they received a call from a Rhododendron resident at about 5:15 PM this afternoon.

An officer was sent to follow up on the reported sighting. The officer spotted the girl and took her into protective custody until her mother arrived. According to Sandy Police Department, Maelissa did not appear to be harmed or injured in any way.

The girl was likely planning on staying at a cabin in Rhododendron that her family frequents. Sandy Police Department reunited Maelissa with her family this evening.

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Police say a sixteen-year old girl from Tigard has been reported missing by her family. Maelissa Larson was last seen Saturday wearing a white sweater and blue jeans.

She reportedly left her home this afternoon with her teenage sister. Maelissa's mother stated both girls left after they were reprimanded.

The mother told Tigard Police that they took sleeping bags and clothing with them. Earlier Friday evening, one of the girls was located by a Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputy. She advised police they separated in Sandy.

Maelissa has learning disabilities and is considered endangered. She is 5'2" and weighs 135 pounds. If anyone observes Maelissa they should notify police via 9-1-1.