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Search for 15-year-old runaway girl from Lexington has ended, police say

UPDATE: Cherrell Patterson returned home early Monday morning and is safe, the Lexington Police Department said.

Original Story

A search is underway for a missing girl in South Carolina.

Cherrell Patterson was publicly reported missing Sunday night by the Lexington Police Department. The 15-year-old was last seen hours earlier.

Police called Cherrell a runaway, saying she has been entered into NCIC.

Cherrell Patterson was reported missing by the Lexington Police Department.
Cherrell Patterson was reported missing by the Lexington Police Department. Lexington Police Department

Patterson was last seen by family at her Autumn Stroll Court home at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, police said.

There was no word if Cherrell was alone when she was last seen. Police did not say if foul play was suspected in Cherrell’s ongoing disappearance.

Police described Cherrell as a 5-foot-3, 133-pound teen with long pink dreads. Cherell was last seen wearing Shrek and Donkey slippers, according to police.

Anyone who has seen Crawford, or has information about her, is asked to contact police at 803-358-1569 or mmorrison@lexsc.gov. Information can also be sent to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.

In the case of an emergency, always call 911.

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In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.

This story was originally published March 9, 2026 at 7:52 AM.

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Noah Feit
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription
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