Long Beach police rescued a 15-year-old girl from a suspected human trafficking situation at a North Long Beach motel last month, and detectives are now searching for the men believed to have sexually abused her.
On the morning of Aug. 20, officers responded to a report of possible trafficking at a motel on the 5300 block of Atlantic Avenue, and quickly located the teenage girl.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the girl had run away from a group home before coming into contact with several adult men who are believed to have sexually assaulted her.
Authorities did not disclose how long she had been missing or how the suspects allegedly lured or trafficked her. Officers removed the girl from the scene and have since connected her with support services, officials said.
“The trafficking of a child can have devastating and often enduring traumatic effects,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. “I am extremely grateful to the officers who rescued this young girl and commend the detectives who are diligently working to identify, locate, and arrest any individuals involved in the trafficking of this child.”
Hebeish said the department remains committed to eradicating human trafficking from the community.
As of Wednesday, the suspects remained outstanding, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police urged anyone with information to contact the department’s societal crimes section at 562-570-7221. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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