Missing Utah teen found alive 500 miles away after 6-week disappearance
15-year-old Alisa Petrov walked into a Colorado police station, ending a mystery that gripped her family and community.
A Utah teenager who vanished six weeks ago has been found alive in Colorado, bringing relief to her family and raising serious questions about her disappearance.
Alisa Petrov, a 15-year-old from South Jordan, Utah, was last seen leaving her school in American Fork on April 19. She was reported missing two days later, sparking a widespread search that stretched across state lines. Her disappearance was classified as a “runaway,” but deeper investigations revealed troubling online activity with a much older man.
According to authorities, Alisa had been in contact with 41-year-old Samuel Teancum Mitchell. Messages found on her iPad showed sexually explicit conversations and plans to meet in person. In one chilling message sent just after midnight on April 19, Alisa wrote, “I’M RUNNING AWAY. Please don’t contact me.”
Mitchell, who was identified through a reverse search of the phone number he gave Alisa, became a key suspect. He was arrested last week and now faces serious charges, including sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor.
A miraculous reappearance
On the evening of June 1, Alisa walked into the Colorado Springs Police Department—500 miles from home—and identified herself. The South Jordan Police Department confirmed her identity the next day and stated that she was in good health and safe with Colorado authorities.
Officials have not yet explained how she traveled so far or whether she was held against her will during her time away.
Security footage had last captured Alisa at a train station in Provo, Utah. Her family, desperate for answers, had offered a $20,000 reward for her safe return.
Ongoing investigation and arrests
In addition to Mitchell, two other men were investigated. William Taylor Glines, 37, was taken into custody in Texas, and Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, turned himself in to Florida authorities. All three face serious charges linked to online communication with Alisa.
Alisa’s safe return has been met with relief and joy by her family and supporters. Her father, Nikolai Petrov, shared updates throughout the search on social media and had been deeply involved in efforts to bring her home.
Now, as Alisa begins her recovery, investigators are working to piece together what happened during the six weeks she was missing. Was she traveling on her own? Did someone help her—or harm her?
This case is a stark reminder of how dangerous online interactions can be, especially for minors. Parents, educators, and law enforcement are urging increased awareness and digital safety for children.
As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to healing, accountability, and ensuring no child ever has to face such a frightening ordeal again.
