Crime & Safety
Missing Woman Contacts Mother, Ending Search: Palatine PD
The 24-year-old's mother told detectives she spoke with her daughter by phone Wednesday, according to a police update.
PALATINE, IL — Alyssa M. Smith, the 24-year-old woman whose disappearance prompted a police investigation and public appeals for help, is no longer considered a missing person, Palatine police announced Thursday.
Smith's mother informed detectives Wednesday that she had spoken with her daughter by telephone. Based on that information, police said Smith was no longer considered missing.
"Out of respect for Smith's privacy, no additional details regarding her personal circumstances will be released," the department said.
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Smith was reported missing Sept. 30. Detectives worked with Chicago police and the Cook County Sheriff's Office to investigate her whereabouts, follow up on tips and search areas associated with reported sightings.
As Patch previously reported, investigators initially received reports of possible sightings in Chicago's Grant Park area and near Cicero Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Those sightings had not been confirmed.
Find out what's happening in Palatinefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police later released images from a Chicago police officer’s body-worn camera and a video recorded near Garfield Park.
Chicago officers encountered Smith and her boyfriend shortly before 3 p.m. Sept. 28, in the 4000 block of West Monroe Street. Investigators also positively identified her in a video recorded around 11 p.m. Sept. 29, near Garfield Park, according to the department’s earlier update.
Her mother, Rebecca Smith, of Fox River Grove, publicly appealed for help finding her daughter as the investigation continued.
In Thursday's announcement, Palatine police thanked the public, Chicago police, the Cook County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement partners for their assistance.
The department also acknowledged the numerous tips and information provided by community members during the investigation.
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