A California teenager who went missing a week ago made a surprising appearance outside a local news station, eager to share her story.

Alison Jillian Chao, a 15-year-old from Monterey Park, had vanished on July 16 after setting off to bike the four miles from her father’s house to her aunt’s place in San Gabriel.

This past Tuesday, Alison was spotted by a woman named Rachelle as she walked towards the ABC7 TV studio in Glendale.

Rachelle recognized Alison from a missing person’s poster and was alarmed by the teenager’s urgent demeanor.

“She was really determined to speak with someone at ABC7,” Rachelle told the local news.

“She said, ‘I’ve come to ABC to tell my story. No one else will listen to me.’”

Rachelle was struck by Alison’s composure and clarity despite her distress.

“She was very articulate and clear about what was going on, even though she was crying and extremely upset about not being heard.”

The last known image of Alison shows her riding her GT mountain bike, dressed in a purple t-shirt, black shorts, and dark shoes, with a backpack slung over her shoulder.

Rachelle followed Alison to the ABC7 studios, where police were waiting. The footage captured outside the studio shows Alison in clothing similar to what she was last seen wearing.

Family Struggles and Legal Battles

Alison is now under the care of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

Her parents, Annie and Jeffery Chao, are in the midst of a divorce, and Jeffery’s lawyers noted that Annie was granted temporary physical custody of Alison last week.

Alison’s aunt suggested that the teenager might have run away due to her discomfort with living with her mother.

Annie Chao commented, “Alison’s feelings about my divorce from her father are understandably complex, but she has a loving family on both sides who cares for her deeply.

I will always strive to protect Alison’s interests, regardless of the challenges.”

Ongoing Concerns

The Chao family is still uncertain about where Alison spent the week she was missing.

Jeffery Chao expressed his gratitude to those who assisted in finding his daughter, saying, “We’ve been really worried about her whereabouts and appreciate all the help we’ve received.”

Alison’s court-appointed attorney, Emily Robinson, stated that the judge’s decisions were made with Alison’s best interests in mind.

“Based on my advocacy, consultation with medical professionals, and evidence from both parents, the court has made rulings that are solely in Alison’s best interest, including granting her mother sole decision-making authority regarding Alison’s mental health and physical custody.”

TDPel Media

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