AUSTIN, Texas — A missing Austin girl who was believed to be with her mother has been found safe after an AMBER Alert was issued.
Just after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Austin ISD Police Department Chief Ashley Gonzalez said 12-year-old Avery Reynolds had been located and appears to be OK.
"Shout out to Travis County Precinct 5, and other Law Enforcement for their relentless efforts and assistance, and concerned citizens who called in w/ info" Gonzalez tweeted.
On Wednesday, the Austin ISD Police Department announced it was seeking the public's help in finding Avery.
According to police, Avery was last seen leaving Small Middle School. Officials believed she was with her mother, Kassia Vaughan, who was in violation of a court order.
On Saturday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued an AMBER Alert for the girl.
Authorities were asking for sightings of a black 2005 Mazda Tribute S with Texas license plate DTM 3557. The car has front-end damage and a Texas Tech University emblem on the rear left, DPS said.
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The following letter was sent to Small Middle School parents and guardians on Wednesday:
"Parents and guardians:
Recently, we have had students report to our counseling team and administration about concerns over a student who has been missing since Friday. Whether they read about the issue on social media, or have gone over the situation with you, we want you to know we are doing everything we can to keep our students safe and are also cooperating to the fullest extent with local authorities on this matter.
The student’s name is Avery Reynolds and she was last seen on our campus on Friday, January 10th, shortly after 4:00 p.m. (picture attached) She is a 7th grade student with brown hair and was last seen wearing a grey, Small MS sweatshirt, black pants and teal sneakers. The family, along with AISD PD and the Constable’s Office, is actively searching and welcomes any information you or your student may have. Please direct any information received to Sergeant Dale Multer at (512)854-9844 or contact the father, Christopher Reynolds at (512) 415-4690 with info and/or questions.
It’s important for you and your student to know that we take our student’s well being very seriously here at Small Middle School and we always put their safety first and foremost in all of our decisions. If your student has any concerns, then please advise them to speak to a counselor, or contact the counseling department directly. If you have concerns and want to know what steps we are taking in regards to student safety, then I invite you to call or email me.
Thank you for reading and for speaking with your student. Again, if you know of anything that might be helpful to the investigation, please contact (512) 854-9844 with information."
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