FBI, LAPD intensify search for missing 10-year-old girl

Los Angeles police said they are bringing in additional resources from across the San Fernando Valley to help search for a missing 10-year-old girl who vanished from her bedroom in the middle of the night, according to her parents.

LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith said there is no sign of forced entry, but the circumstances warrant an extensive response by the LAPD and FBI.

“Obviously, this is of concern,” Smith said. “A child disappeared from their bed in the middle of the night.”

Authorities are conducting a two-mile, house-to-house search in a grid surrounding the home, Cmdr. Sharon Papa said.

Los Angeles police said Nicole Ryan’s mother told authorities that she saw her daughter in her bedroom about 1 a.m. Wednesday, but when she checked on her about two hours later, the girl was gone.

Authorities searched the home in the 8800 block of Oakdale Avenue and canvassed the neighborhood but have not found the girl.

Los Angeles Police Capt. Daryl Russell told KTTV-TV Channel 11 that there were no indications of “any issues inside the house,” such as an argument that might have prompted the girl to run away.

The FBI confirmed that dozens of agents have joined the investigation and search, including the agency’s Child Abduction Unit.

“We’re still looking for her and we’re extending our search,” Smith said.

Law enforcement officials have set up a second command post about a mile from the house to allow for the large number of people involved in the search.

Nicole Ryan is about 4-feet-11, weighs about 100 pounds and has red hair. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 911.

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