Authorities in New Jersey are searching for 15-year-old Payton Cox, who was last seen in New York City. The Neptune Police Department, along with the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, have launched an investigation into her disappearance.

Concerned family members and law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding her whereabouts.

Timeline of Disappearance

Payton Cox left her home in Neptune, New Jersey, on February 16 and was last seen at New York Penn Station on February 19. Surveillance footage from the train station captured her at approximately 8:00 a.m. Authorities believe she boarded a train from Long Branch, New Jersey, headed towards New York City. Since then, there has been no confirmed contact with her, and her family remains deeply concerned.

Description and Identifying Features

Payton Cox is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing casual attire, but specific details about her clothing remain unclear. Police are asking the public to stay alert and report any possible sightings.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials are actively working to track down any leads. They have been reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating efforts with authorities in both New Jersey and New York. Officials have not yet confirmed whether Payton’s disappearance is voluntary or if foul play is suspected. However, they are treating the case with urgency and have expanded their search beyond the initial locations.

Authorities are also monitoring social media activity in hopes of finding any clues about her whereabouts. Family members and friends have taken to social media to share her photos and plead for assistance from the public.

Community Response and Public Assistance

The local community has come together to help spread awareness about Payton’s disappearance. Flyers have been distributed throughout Neptune, Long Branch, and New York City. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #FindPayton have gained traction as people share information to reach a wider audience.

In cases like this, public support plays a crucial role. Police urge anyone who may have seen Payton or has any information about her disappearance to contact the Neptune Police Department at 732-988-8000 ext. 432 or the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at 609-882-2000 ext. 2554.

Family’s Plea for Help

Payton’s family is devastated and is pleading for her safe return. “We just want to know she is okay,” said a family member in a recent statement. “If anyone has seen her or knows anything, please come forward and help us bring Payton home.”

Her disappearance has sparked concerns about the safety of teenagers traveling alone and has drawn attention to the increasing number of missing persons cases in the area.

What to Do If You See Payton?

If you believe you have seen Payton Cox or have any information about her location, officials urge you not to approach her directly. Instead, immediately contact law enforcement. Providing details such as the time, location, and any distinguishing characteristics can greatly assist in the investigation.

Final Thoughts

Cases like these highlight the importance of staying vigilant and looking out for one another. As authorities continue their search for Payton Cox, community support and public awareness remain crucial. Every shared post, flyer, or tip could make a difference in reuniting her with her family.

Law enforcement officials remain hopeful that with the public’s help, Payton will be found safe. Until then, the search continues, and investigators are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The community stands united in the hope of bringing Payton home soon.