Police Continue Search for Runaway, Clear Up Rumors and Misconceptions

The San Angelo Police Department continues the search for runaway Briana Esquivel.   Briana was last seen by her family at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at her residence on Chestnut Street.  Before leaving, Briana left a note to her family stating her intentions of leaving the home.  Along with the note, Briana also packed her personal belongings, further indicating her desire to leave. 

San Angelo Police have received several tips from varying sources and multiple tips from the family as to where Briana might be staying.  At this time, none of the tips have led to finding the 15-year-old. The Criminal Investigations Division has employed multiple detectives since Briana left to interview witnesses, collect video, and remain in contact with the family.   A current issue facing detectives are the tips being reported to the family instead of police.  Detectives are not discouraging contact with the family, but would like to receive and gather information directly from those who know anything about Briana.   

Since Briana left, San Angelo Police Department has been asked multiple times by the public about releasing an AMBER Alert. The circumstances surrounding this investigation do not meet the requirements of issuing an AMBER Alert. The first criterion for issuing the alert is to confirm abduction. At this time all evidence indicates Briana left willingly.  There is also no descriptive information concerning who she left with.  For more information on AMBER Alerts anyone can visit the official web page at www.amberalert.gov

The San Angelo Police would also like to inform the public about the seriousness of harboring a child who is younger than 18 years of age and who is voluntarily absent from his/her home without consent of the parent(s) for an extended length of time.  This offense is a Class A misdemeanor subject to a $4,000.00 fine and incarceration for up to 12 months.  Anyone who might be allowing Briana to stay at their residence would be subject to this law and punishment. 

The San Angelo Police Department’s first priority is the safety and welfare of Briana. Any and all information concerning her location should be made to police to further this investigation. SAPD can be contacted by phone at 657-4315.  To remain anonymous, submit Tips online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 or call the SAPD’s 24 hour Tip Hotline at 1-855-TIPS-247. You can also text your tips, text: TIP SAPD followed by your tip message to 888777.