The father of a 15-year-old Southern California girl who was missing for about a week has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and other offenses, police announced Friday.
Jeffrey Chao is also accused of falsifying a police report in connection with the disappearance of Alison Jillian Chao, the Monterey Park Police Department said.
The elder Chao was being held without bail, according to Jose Romero, his attorney, who declined to comment further.
Alison was reported missing July 16 but was found safe on Tuesday in a mystery that touched off requests for public assistance and searches organized by residents.
“The department’s dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies were pivotal in resolving this critical situation and ensuring Alison Chao’s safety,” Monterey Park police said in a statement. “The Monterey Park Police Department Investigations Bureau is still currently investigating this incident and has no further comment at this time. We want to assure the community of Monterey Park that the department remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and well-being of residents. We appreciate your continued support during this investigation.”
According to the family law attorney for the father, Hannah Bui, Alison’s mother has sole legal custody of her for mental health reasons. Annie Chao was granted physical custody on a temporary basis as of last week, according to Bui.
Jeffery Chao spoke during a news conference on Tuesday, when he thanked friends and the community for helping to find his daughter. The father’s attorney had said no foul play or kidnapping was suspected.
“We’ve been really worried about where she’s been,” the father said. “We really appreciate what everyone’s done and helped out with.”
Alison disappeared after last being seen around 6:20 p.m. July 16 in the 4400 block of Collis Avenue in the El Sereno area of Los Angeles, police said. The girl had left her father’s house in Monterey Park that afternoon and was heading toward an aunt’s home in San Gabriel, riding a blue mountain bike and carrying a black backpack, but she never arrived, according to police and relatives. She was spotted riding her bike on various neighborhood surveillance cameras.
She was found Tuesday morning when a resident recognized her in the Glendale area and called authorities.
The teen’s parents are in the middle of divorce proceedings and a custody dispute. Jeffrey Chao’s attorney said Alison lived with her father, but her mother was recently granted temporary custody right before the teenager’s disappearance.
Details about Alison’s disappearance remain unclear.