Newark Police Search for Missing Teenager
Authorities are requesting public assistance to locate 17-year-old Maria Loja Guasco, who was last seen on Tuesday afternoon.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Pre-Teens
The Newark Police Division is searching for Maria Loja Guasco, a 17-year-old resident reported missing this week. She was last seen in Newark at 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
Why it matters
Law enforcement officials are actively seeking information from the public to ensure the safety and swift return of the missing teenager to her home.
The missing teenager is 17 years old and was last observed at the intersection of South Street and Orchard Street. Officials have provided her description, noting she had red makeup on her face and was wearing a pink shirt with gray pants.
The players
Maria Loja Guasco
She is a 17-year-old resident of Newark who is the subject of a current police missing person investigation.
Newark Police Division
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the city and conducting investigations into missing person cases.
The details
Maria Loja Guasco was reported missing after she was last seen in the city at 2:50 p.m. She was wearing pink sandals at the time of her disappearance. The police are urging residents to come forward with any information regarding her current location.
Timeline
Maria Loja Guasco was reported missing on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The final confirmed sighting of the teenager occurred at 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The city's search for a missing teenager follows established safety protocols maintained by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to expedite the investigation process. These frameworks reflect the ongoing societal emphasis on leveraging community cooperation to improve response times for youth safety.
Residents in the area near South Street and Orchard Street are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the authorities immediately. You can contact the Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-695-8477 or submit information anonymously through the police website.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of local missing person alerts can play a vital role in helping law enforcement locate vulnerable individuals. If you have seen the subject, please refrain from direct intervention and instead provide your report to the designated tip lines.
Further reading
For more information on youth safety and local resources, visit the Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
