Missing girl found – Objective

Photo: iStock

Sophie BarkerA 17-year-old teenager who went missing near Wall Street on Thursday was found safe and sound late Friday afternoon at the East Broadway Seward Park Library. Her condition is currently unknown.

Barker suffers from mental illness and was last seen around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning when she went to get a matcha drink from her father’s apartment in the financial district. At home, her phone was left charging. Her family became increasingly concerned as it was known that Barker required medication for her health problem.

Sophie’s mother, Saida Barker, said her daughter left the apartment without her phone and was last seen near the intersection of Wall Street and William Street. Her parents feared she was having a medical emergency and was confused by not taking her medication.

A huge community effort was made to find Sophie. Leaflets were distributed throughout the city center and many people searched the streets for her. Saida Barker thanked the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the support of the public for the successful conclusion of the case.

The hunt picked up speed when the Seward Park Library security officer identified Sophie from a wanted poster and reported her whereabouts. Detectives from the First Precinct immediately arrived and confirmed her identification via FaceTime with her stepfather. Officers from the Seventh Precinct assisted emergency medical personnel, who then transported Sophie to an ambulance.

Sophie may have sought shelter at the Seward Park Library because a family friend had said she loved libraries. The community, NYPD, and library staff worked together to find Sophie Barker and ensure she returned safely.