Family of California teen says she would ‘never do this’

LOS ANGELES – Family members of Monterey Park teen Alison Chao hosted a press conference Tuesday after the 15-year-old was found safe a week after she disappeared while on a bike ride to a relative’s house in the San Gabriel Valley.

“I’m so happy that we found her and that she’s safe,” said Jenny, Alison’s aunt. “It’s been a nightmare.  I have not slept.  We just kept searching and searching.”

Chao was located earlier this morning and was located with the assistance of the Glendale Police Department, Monterey Park police said. 

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Chao was last seen in the evening hours of July 16 riding her bicycle in the 4400 block of Collis Avenue in the El Sereno area, according to police.

Cellphone video posted on social media was reportedly recorded by Alison the day before she disappeared. In the video, the teen was heard speaking with police regarding issues related to what has been a recent custody dispute.

“We’ve been really worried about where she’s been,” said Jeffery Chao, Alison’s father.  “It’s just been very tiring.  I was very concerned.  I just want what’s in the best interest of Alison at this point.”

Hundreds of missing person fliers were posted and handed out across the San Gabriel Valley in hopes of finding Alison. The girl was reportedly spotted in El Sereno at some point during the search, before she was located safely Tuesday morning outside a local TV station in Glendale.

Family members and friends on Tuesday expressed frustrations over “system issues” relating to the 15-year-old. However, they didn’t elaborate.

“She would never do anything like this,” said Jenny. “People need to be held accountable. This is not acceptable.”

“It’s my understanding family is upset with how things have transpired within the system,” said Jose Romero, an attorney.

Alison was safe, speaking with police Tuesday afternoon at the Monterey Park police station. Family and friends said they’re anxious to see her.