Search Continues for Missing Surprise Teenager
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking public help to locate 15-year-old Marisa Lara.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Marisa Lara, a 15-year-old girl, was last seen in Surprise on May 9. Authorities are currently investigating leads that suggest the teenager may have traveled to California or Hawaii.
Why it matters
Law enforcement agencies rely on public awareness and shared information to identify the whereabouts of missing minors. Broadening the search to include multiple states increases the reach for potential leads.
The teenager is described as 5-feet 4-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. Public reports can be directed to NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000.
The players
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
This is a non-profit organization that serves as a resource center for families and law enforcement regarding missing and sexually exploited children.
Surprise Police Department
This agency provides municipal law enforcement services to the residents of Surprise, Arizona.
Marisa Lara
She is the 15-year-old individual currently reported as a missing person.
The details
Marisa Lara was 15 years old when she disappeared from the Surprise area in May. The investigation remains ongoing as officials coordinate potential sightings in California and Hawaii.
Timeline
May 9: Marisa Lara was last seen in Surprise.
Culture Shift
The search follows the standard notification and alert protocols used by the NCMEC to track missing children across state lines. These procedures reflect the modern emphasis on interstate coordination for local missing person cases.
Residents in the area should remain observant and report any relevant information regarding the missing teenager to local authorities. Keeping the provided description in mind helps ensure the public can assist effectively in the search.
The takeaway
Community awareness is a critical tool for law enforcement when tracking the movement of missing individuals. Citizens are encouraged to use official channels to verify any information they may encounter regarding this case.
Further reading
For more information on family safety and support resources, visit the Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Your Valley.
