RAYNHAM, MA — A Raynham teen who had been missing for nine days was found safe late Thursday night in New York City.
Colleen Weaver, 16, was found just hours after her mother and the community gathered for a vigil, begging her to come home.
After she was found, her family said in a statement, “We are relieved beyond belief that she’s been found! We are so grateful for all those involved in finding her. We respectfully ask for privacy at this time so we can focus on Colleen.”
On Friday afternoon, Raynham Police Chief James Donovan said Colleen Weaver had been reunited with her family.
“The matter remains under active investigation and no information about the circumstances of her disappearance will be released at this time,” said Chief Donovan.
New York City Police located Weaver just over 200 miles away around 11 p.m. with the help of the FBI.
In a statement, the FBI said, “Anytime a child is reported missing, a sophisticated law enforcement system is set into motion, and it’s all hands-on-deck because every minute counts until that child is safely recovered.”
Kristen Weaver, Colleen’s mother, said her daughter was last seen on Oct. 18 and that she has a neurological disorder that impacts her decision-making. Those close with her believed she might have left home to meet an older man who was posing as a teenage boy online.
Raynham Police Chief James Donovan previously said Colleen was likely with someone else.
“We don’t have any information on who that may be, but we believe she left with someone,” said Chief Donovan.
Police have not released any additional information—so it’s unclear if Colleen was found by herself or if she was with someone.
Police did say they are thankful for the collaborative effort in finding her and that she would be reunited with her family soon.
Here is the latest family statement on Colleen Weaver: pic.twitter.com/Ruas5vKzZb
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) October 28, 2022
Statement from #FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta on recovering 16-year-old Colleen Weaver, of Raynham, Massachusetts, last night in New York City. pic.twitter.com/8PddNyRxqL
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) October 28, 2022
Hundreds gathering outside First Congregational Church in Raynham to pray for Colleen Weaver’s safe return. She was last seen Oct. 18 and police believe she is in danger. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/8r3t2Wdpwg
— Jason Law (@JasonLawNews) October 27, 2022
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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