CHASSELL — Michigan State Police have confirmed that a juvenile from Chassell has been found after being reported missing Wednesday. The juvenile was reported missing on February 17. Media reports say the juvenile’s phone was pinged in the Marquette area while police were searching.

According to Michigan State Police Sargent Russell Larsen, the juvenile was located successfully — no other information such as the age or name can be confirmed by The Daily Mining Gazette at press time. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, in 2024 there were 23,160 reports of missing children and 92% of those cases were resolved.

On NCMEC’s website, most missing children are reported to be runaways from home. However, when these children are away from home, they are increasingly vulnerable.

According to NCMEC’s website under the impact page, “these children are highly vulnerable and face risks including physical and sexual violence, homelessness, exposure to substance use and child sex trafficking.”

In Michigan, Missing Persons Awareness Month was declared for May 2025. In a proclamation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer listed recent statistics about missing persons in Michigan. According to the proclamation on the Michigan government’s website, “there are over 3,500 people currently reported missing to law enforcement, including almost 800 children.”

NCMEC has put out resources including what children and families can do if they know someone who has run away or if they are considering running away themselves.

An excerpt from of the resources reads, “Running away can be an escape. An adolescent may be experiencing bullying, abuse, mental health difficulties, lack of understanding and acceptance, or a host of other risk factors at home.”

If you or someone you know has been the victim of child trafficking, exploitation or is missing, call 1-800-843-5678.