Utah Teen Reappears After Six Weeks: A Journey of Uncertainty and Hope
In a surprising turn of events, a 15-year-old girl from Utah, who had been missing since April, has been found safe and in good health in Colorado Springs. Authorities confirmed her location late Sunday evening, bringing relief to her family and community.
Unexpected Return and Initial Contact
According to Sergeant Shaun Becker, Alisa Petrov voluntarily approached the Colorado Springs Police Department earlier that evening, identifying herself. Law enforcement officials reported that she appeared to be unharmed and in stable physical condition. Her sudden appearance has sparked a wave of relief and curiosity about her journey over the past six weeks.
The Last Known Sightings and Mysterious Disappearance
Alisa was last seen approximately six weeks ago, on April 21, captured by surveillance footage leaving a train station in Provo. This footage marked her final confirmed sighting before her disappearance. Authorities have yet to disclose details about her mode of travel to Colorado or whether she was coerced or held against her will during her time away.
Efforts to Reunite and Family’s Perspective
Investigators are actively working to facilitate a reunion between Alisa and her family. Her father, Nikolai Petrov, emphasized that their primary concern is her safe return rather than pursuing legal action or assigning blame. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed hope that she would simply walk through the door and say, “Hi, I’m back,” which he considers the ideal outcome.
“Honestly, the best scenario would be her just walking in and saying, ‘I’m home,'” he shared in an interview with KUTV. “That’s all we want – her safe and sound.”
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Alisa’s disappearance remain largely unclear. Authorities have not released information about her whereabouts during the past six weeks or the reasons behind her decision to turn herself in. As the investigation continues, officials anticipate providing a more comprehensive account of her journey and the factors involved.
Sergeant Becker mentioned that a detailed update is expected once authorities have gathered and verified all relevant information.
Community Support and Family Gratitude
In a public Facebook post, Nikolai Petrov expressed his gratitude and relief. “We are overjoyed that Alisa has been found and look forward to seeing her again,” he wrote. “A special thanks to the South Jordan Police Department, who worked tirelessly over the weekend, and to the Salt Lake City FBI for their assistance. We appreciate everyone’s support and encouragement during this difficult time.”
The Day of Disappearance and Her Last Known Actions
On the day she went missing, Alisa was dropped off at Canyon Grove Academy in American Fork, approximately 32 miles south of Salt Lake City. However, she did not attend her classes. Instead, she purchased items at a nearby Speedway gas station and convinced a man to drive her to a nearby train station.
From there, she traveled to Provo, about 14 miles away, where she reportedly sought help from multiple individuals to purchase a bus ticket to Las Vegas. Her goal was to meet 35-year-old Matthew Nicholas Menard, with whom she had been in contact prior to her disappearance.
Her mother, Olga, previously shared with the Daily Mail that Alisa had saved approximately $1,000 from birthday gifts and allowance money, which she kept after turning 15 on April 16 – just five days before she went missing.
