ARIZONA NEWS

Missing 13-year-old Chandler girl found safe, 21-year-old man detained

Apr 21, 2024, 4:08 PM | Updated: Apr 22, 2024, 4:25 pm

PHOENIX — A 13-year-old girl who was missing for more than a week was found safe and reunited with her family on Sunday afternoon, according to Chandler police.

Olivia Gerits left her home on foot near South Gilbert Road and East Hunt Highway on April 12 at around 6 p.m. to attend a friend’s sleepover. She was expected to return home the next day, but she never made it to her friend’s house.

On April 14, her phone was found abandoned on a bus in Tempe.

What happened to the missing Chandler girl?

Gerits was believed to be with 21-year-old Shawn Paul Riherd. Gerits and Riherd were communicating with each other online before the investigation, according to officials.

Riherd has been detained for questioning and charges will be filed against him, according to Chandler police.

No other details were made available, and the investigation remains ongoing.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

1 hour ago

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

3 hours ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

13 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

14 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

15 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Missing 13-year-old Chandler girl found safe, 21-year-old man detained