Rootstown Township, OH – A missing 16-year-old girl from Kentucky was found safe in Portage County, Ohio, after being located inside a chicken coop early Wednesday morning, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to a home on Kirtland Road in Rootstown Township after a tip from the department’s dispatch center indicated the missing teen’s location. Investigators said her whereabouts were traced through the social media platform Snapchat.
Upon arrival, deputies found the teen attempting to flee on foot but were able to safely take her into custody. Authorities said she expressed suicidal ideations and was later transported to Akron Children’s Hospital for evaluation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the teen had met a 17-year-old from Portage County through Discord, an online chat platform. The two allegedly planned for her to run away from Kentucky on November 28, traveling by Uber from Dayton to Rootstown Township.
Deputies reported that the Portage County teen had converted a chicken coop into a makeshift living space equipped with a small heater, blankets, food, and water. The Kentucky teen reportedly stayed there for several days before deputies located her.
Officials emphasized the dangers of online interactions and urged parents to discuss internet safety with their children. The Sheriff’s Office shared a graphic highlighting 18 apps parents should know about, including Discord, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say appropriate charges will be reviewed as the case develops.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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