NEW ORLEANS, La. — Police are asking the public for help locating a 16-year-old girl who has been reported missing, as authorities continue an active investigation into her whereabouts.
The New Orleans Police Department said Terryella Washington was last seen on Saturday, Sept. 12, at approximately 3 p.m. Washington was reportedly seen getting out of a vehicle near Louisiana Avenue and Magnolia Street before heading eastbound onto Magnolia Street.
The person driving the vehicle later reported the teenager missing. Police have not disclosed the relationship between Washington and the driver.
With Washington’s whereabouts currently unknown, authorities are asking residents and anyone who may have been in the area around the time she was last seen to pay close attention to the information released by investigators.
Police Release Description of Terryella Washington
NOPD provided a physical description and details about what Washington was wearing when she was last seen.
The teenager is described as approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds.
According to police, she was last seen wearing a dark gray hoodie, black jogging pants, black Crocs and a black bonnet.
These details could be important for anyone who may have seen Washington after she left the vehicle. Police are encouraging people who believe they may have information to contact investigators rather than attempting to handle the situation themselves.
NOPD listed Washington as a runaway in its release and said the case remains an active investigation.
Police Share Additional Information About Teen
Authorities also said Washington has a history of running away and disclosed that she has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, PTSD and oppositional defiant disorder.
Police included that information as part of their effort to locate her and urged anyone with potentially useful information to come forward.
Because Washington is a minor and her whereabouts remain unknown, authorities are relying in part on information from members of the public who may have seen her or know where she could be.
NOPD has not announced additional details about where Washington may have gone after she was last seen on Magnolia Street.
NOPD Asks Public to Come Forward
Anyone who has information regarding Terryella Washington’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Portia Ross at 504-658-6146 or by email at [email protected].
Members of the public can also provide information through CrimeStoppers by calling 504-822-1111, the toll-free number 877-903-7867, or 504-822-2222.
Police are urging anyone with potentially relevant information to contact authorities directly. Even information that may appear minor could help investigators establish Washington’s movements after she was last seen.
NOPD also addressed public discussion surrounding the case in a caption accompanying its missing-person release.
Police Warn Against Speculation
The New Orleans Police Department emphasized that the case is currently an active investigation and asked members of the public to avoid posting speculative comments about Washington’s disappearance.
Authorities have not publicly provided additional details about what may have happened after Washington was last seen.
For now, investigators are focused on determining her whereabouts and locating the missing teenager. Anyone who may have seen Washington or has information that could assist police is encouraged to contact NOPD or CrimeStoppers as soon as possible.
Have you seen Terryella Washington or noticed anything that could help investigators? Share this information responsibly and contact police if you have relevant information about her whereabouts.
