SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT — South Salt Lake police have issued an endangered missing advisory for a 16-year-old girl who ran away from home on Friday and is believed to be suicidal. The teen is identified as Jalissa Rae Lautaima, and officers say the advisory was issued Monday after she was reported missing.
Police said Lautaima is depressed and attends Granite Connection School. They have not released any information suggesting where she may have gone after leaving home, but they are treating the case as urgent because of the concern for her safety.
Police describe the teen and the clothes she was last seen wearing
South Salt Lake police released a description to help the public identify Lautaima. She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Police also said she has a heart tattoo on her left cheek and a nose piercing.
She was last seen wearing a white shirt, a black hoodie, and red and black pajama pants. Those details can be critical in missing person cases, especially when the person is a juvenile and may have moved quickly or changed locations after leaving home.
Endangered missing advisory signals concern beyond a routine runaway report
The endangered missing advisory was issued because officers believe the situation involves more than a routine runaway case. Police said Lautaima is suicidal and depressed, which raises the level of concern for her immediate well-being.
Law enforcement agencies often use these advisories to quickly widen the search and alert the public when a missing person may be at heightened risk. In this case, police have not said where she may have gone or whether any tips have narrowed the search area.
What to do if you have information about Jalissa Rae Lautaima
Anyone who knows Lautaima’s location is asked to call South Salt Lake police at 801-840-4000 and reference case number LK2026-29029. Police are asking for any information that could help locate her and return her safely home.
If there is an emergency or someone may be in immediate danger, officials say to call 911. Quick reporting can matter in missing person cases, especially when there are mental health concerns involved.
Utah officials say there is no waiting period to report a missing person
Utah officials say people do not have to wait before filing a missing person report. The first step is to contact local law enforcement right away and give them as much detail as possible about the missing person.
Recommended information includes the person’s full name or nicknames, recent photos, age and date of birth, gender, physical description, medical conditions, last known location and social media accounts. Unique features such as scars, tattoos or piercings can also help investigators and the public identify someone faster.
Families are urged to keep notes and track police interactions
State officials also advise families to document their contacts with law enforcement while a person is missing. That means writing down officer names, dates and times of conversations, the case number and any updates or instructions police give.
Those notes can help keep details organized during what is often a stressful and fast-moving search. For families and friends trying to locate a missing loved one, staying organized can make it easier to follow up and share accurate information with investigators.
Local news that matters, from Dulaney Griffin.
