PLACENTIA : Runaway Is Found at Fitness Center

Alita Montenegro, who ran away from home two weeks ago and was the subject of a search, was returned home late Wednesday evening after Placentia police found her unharmed at a Fullerton health club.

Police had received dozens of tips about the 14-year-old girl after her parents, Patricia and Rico Montenegro, plastered hundreds of posters with her picture in Placentia, Brea and Fullerton. She left home the day before Thanksgiving, taking a suitcase.

One tip led police to Fitness World at the corner of Imperial Highway and Harbor Boulevard, where Alita had been keeping her belongings.

“She spent at least one night in a tanning bed,” said Detective Corinne Loomis.

While they were loading her things into a police car about 6 p.m., one officer noticed Alita in the parking lot. She tried to flee, but police took her in for questioning. She was released to her parents four hours later.

On Thursday, Rico Montenegro said the family was pleased to have Alita back and was seeking “help for her problems.”

According to police, Alita’s friends helped her hide from her parents during the 15 days she was gone. Throughout the time Alita was gone, police said they suspected her friends were lying about her whereabouts.

“The truth is, we got lucky,” said Sgt. David Taylor. “If we had left 10 minutes earlier, she would still be missing. We’d have her clothes, but she’d still be missing.”