Search ends for teen girl who didn’t return home from school last week, police say
The search for a missing Lexington County teenager who hadn’t been seen in a week is over.
At about 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Cayce Police Department said Evelyn Hernandez-Doblado was home and unharmed.
The 16-year-old was publicly reported missing by police last Friday. Hernandez-Doblado was last seen Wednesday at Brookland-Cayce High School, according to police.
She didn’t return home from school that day, but she did contact her mother at 9:30 p.m., police said. Her family has not seen her since that time, according to the release.
On Monday, police said Hernandez-Doblado was considered a runaway.
Hernandez-Doblado had been in touch with someone both she and her mother know, and the mutual acquaintance said the teen is still in the Midlands area and that she has not been harmed, according to police.
“Regardless of age or situation, when a minor does not return home for any reason, it is a top priority of our Cayce law enforcement to follow up on every lead, utilize every resource and work around the clock to protect our young people, Cayce Police Chief Chris Cowan said Tuesday in a news release. “As a department, we are all thankful that Evelyn is safe. As a chief, I am also thankful for the dedication and the diligence of our Cayce officers that worked to ensure her safe return.”
Police said they worked with state and federal agencies to find Hernandez-Doblado, and also asked the public for help finding the teen.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2023 at 9:14 AM.
