Justice · Dayton missing teenDayton missing teen: Joshua Alert issued for 16-year-old Americus PhillipsAired October 19, 2026 at 9:15 PM UTCWritten October 19, 2026 at 9:21 PM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07Dayton police launched a search for 16-year-old Americus Phillips.0:11Authorities are concerned for her safety.0:13A Joshua alert was reportedly issued Monday afternoon for the teenager, who's0:17described as autistic.0:19The immediate question is whether police have now located her.0:22Phillips was last seen on Oak Ridge Drive in Dayton in the 45417 zip code.0:26The alert was issued October 19th, but the exact time she was last seen is unclear.0:31Monday afternoon identifies when the alert went out.0:34Phillips is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 210 pounds.0:38She's a white girl with blonde hair and brown eyes, and she wears glasses.0:42Those details accompany the request for help finding her.0:45She was last seen wearing blue leggings, a white sweater, a tan jacket, a black0:50shirt, and black boots.0:51Glasses were also included in that description.0:53The clothing gives people another way to recognize the teenager alongside her0:57physical description.0:58Phillips is described using the term high-functioning autism.1:02That broad label gives little practical guidance about what assistance she might1:05need.1:06Or how she might respond to someone unfamiliar.1:08Ohio's amendment naming the Joshua Alert took effect September 17th.1:12It addresses alerts for missing children with autism or another developmental1:16disability.1:17The alert for Phillips followed October 19th, bringing attention to her1:21disappearance and authorities' concern for her safety.1:23For sightings, the listed numbers are 911 and Dayton Police at1:27937-DA333-LES270.1:30That police number hasn't been confirmed for this case.1:33Dayton's official non-emergency number is 937-DA333-20677.1:38The city designates 911 for emergencies.1:41Whether Phillips has been located is not yet confirmed.1:43Her current alert status is also unclear, so a safe return or a continuing active1:48alert can't yet be stated with certainty.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗