After being missing for five days, a 12-year-old girl from Brooklyn, named Victorious “Tori” Perozo, who reportedly ran away from home, has been safely reunited with her family. The young girl disappeared after failing to return home from her Queens school on April 9. Here’s the full story:
The Disappearance
Tori Perozo was reported missing by her sister, Eliana Perozo, who is also her legal guardian. Eliana last saw her sister as she left for school around 6:50 a.m. from their home in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Tori, however, did not return home after finishing classes at The Baccalaureate School for Global Education. Instead, an AirTag attached to her keys showed her heading into Manhattan.
Concerns and Search Efforts
Eliana Perozo expressed concerns about Tori’s well-being, mentioning that Tori had gotten into trouble the night before her disappearance. Eliana suspected that Tori ran away due to feeling overwhelmed by recent losses and not understanding the support available to her. She revealed that she had confiscated Tori’s smartphone after discovering her texting with an older boy and replaced it with a flip phone. Despite trying to reach Tori on the phone, she received no response, and the AirTag indicated Tori’s movement away from home.
Tracking and Discovery
Upon realizing that Tori was headed to Manhattan, Eliana, along with a friend, tracked the AirTag to an apartment complex in the Bronx. A man at the location claimed to have found the Apple device on the ground near 134th Street and St. Anne’s Avenue but stated that he hadn’t seen Tori. Security footage later confirmed Tori’s presence in the East Village, where she was seen getting on the N/R subway line at the NYU-8th St. subway stop around 5:45 a.m.
Reunion and Reflection
After days of uncertainty, Tori Perozo was finally reunited with her family on Sunday. Eliana expressed relief and gratitude for the efforts made to find her sister, emphasizing Tori’s positive qualities and the love surrounding her. Despite the ordeal, Eliana hopes that this incident won’t define Tori’s life and remains committed to supporting her.
Conclusion
In the end, seeing Victorious “Tori” Perozo safely back home is a huge relief for her loved ones. This whole ordeal underscores how vital it is to stay connected and understanding, especially when young people are facing tough times.
The incredible support from both the community and law enforcement, all coming together to find Tori, shows just how powerful teamwork can be. It’s a testament to how important it is for everyone to pitch in and look out for each other’s safety and well-being.
Looking back on this, let’s make sure we keep communication channels open, show empathy, and offer support to those who might be going through a rough patch. We all have a part to play in making sure everyone feels safe and supported.