LAWRENCE, Ind. — Lawrence Police say 15-year-old Samantha Martinez, who had been missing since May 3, has been found safe in New Jersey.
Police say federal authorities found the girl on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are still under investigation, according to Lawrence Police Chief Gary Woodruff.
Martinez will be brought home to her family in the coming days, Woodruff said.
Family members first reported Martinez missing on May 3, believing she was with a friend from school. Investigators, working with the girl's family, later determined that was not the case.
During their investigation, detectives discovered information that led them to believe Martinez may be with an adult that she met online, who came from out of state to pick her up. Police said the girl and the adult are not related.
Family members told police Martinez has special needs, which added to their concern.
On May 10, Lawrence Police released an update with information that investigators believe Martinez and the adult she met could be in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Police did not have a description of a vehicle that Martinez and the adult may be in.
There was no information about the suspected adult provided when police announced that Martinez had been found.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police.