Attention residents:
We would like to report that the missing teenager has been found and is being reunited with her family. We would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your cooperation, shares and tips.
There is an ongoing search effort coordinated through the Union County Police Department in collaboration with multiple public safety agencies, in locating Sophia Hetrick, a 14-year-old white female who was last seen in Watchung Reservation. She was last seen wearing a pink top, white shorts, and has long blond hair with pink headphones. Sophia is a high-functioning autistic child and was reported missing while hiking with her family in the Loop Recreation area of the Reservation.
We want to emphasize that there is no immediate threat to safety. We request that you check your sheds and open garage areas. The New Jersey State Police have deployed a helicopter equipped with special night vision technology to aid in the search, and it will be operational throughout the night.
Please be aware that there will be a visible presence of first responders searching in yards and wooded areas throughout the night until Sophia is located. We ask that you keep your outdoor lights on and promptly call your local police department or 911 if you have any information that may assist in her location.