Search Ongoing for Missing Teen in Washington State

Authorities are actively seeking a teenage girl who vanished in Washington state over a month ago. She was last seen getting into a car with a 45-year-old man who referred to himself as a “money prince.”

Ashlyn Hanley, just 15 years old, was reportedly last spotted on December 10th and may have been en route to Seattle, according to the Port Orchard Police Department.

Security footage captured Hanley, dressed in a pink down jacket, entering a black 2011 Buick Enclave at High Joy Bowling Alley located in the High Point Shopping Center.

After further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle, which was last seen turning south, belonged to LaBelle Antron Cotton, 45.

Police are trying to connect with Cotton regarding Hanley’s disappearance, as noted in a recent update from the department.

Deputy Chief Alan Iwashita mentioned that officers had managed to reach Cotton over the phone, but they have been unable to meet him face-to-face.

In the days leading up to her disappearance, Hanley had been released from juvenile detention, where she had been fitted with an ankle monitor, her mother, Jade Hanley, revealed. It’s unclear why Hanley was at the center to begin with.

She resides with her paternal grandmother, who drove her to school that morning; however, it seems Hanley didn’t stay there.

Authorities informed Jade that her daughter’s ankle monitor had been removed and that the last known location was close to the bowling alley.

Jade recounted that she visited the bowling alley after work, seeking any video that might provide clues.

Upon reviewing the footage, her concern grew, leading her to report Hanley missing.

“She’s a very happy child… stubborn, and doesn’t just take ‘no’ for an answer,” Jade described her daughter.

At the time of her disappearance, Hanley was about 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with brown eyes and light brown hair, although she often dyed it various colors.

Port Orchard Police are collaborating with numerous regional task forces and external agencies to locate Hanley, who might be in the eastern part of Puget Sound.

The police are urging anyone with information regarding Cotton or the girl’s whereabouts to step forward.