Local authorities and the community are actively searching for 14-year-old Laceigh Denise Gatson, who was reported missing from the Virginia Beach area earlier this week.
Officials are asking the public for any information that could assist in finding the teenage girl, as her unexpected absence has raised significant concerns among her family, friends, and neighbors regarding her safety.
Reports from the Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse reveal that Laceigh was last spotted on January 7, 2026, in Virginia Beach. Authorities have noted that she has a nose piercing and wears black-framed glasses, and she has been added to national and state missing persons databases as the search efforts grow stronger.
Laceigh's family became worried when she failed to return home or establish contact following her last verified sighting, leading them to report her missing to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Since that time, law enforcement has started investigative actions that now include searching the area where she was last observed, examining any available surveillance footage, and reaching out to acquaintances who might have seen her before she went missing.
In instances involving absent minors, police highlight the urgency of the situation and indicate that even minor details can be crucial. Officers are appealing to residents and commuters in Virginia Beach and the larger Hampton Roads area to check their personal and business surveillance systems, doorbell cameras, and vehicle dashcams for any sign of Laceigh or any suspicious activity that may have coincided with her disappearance.
"We are dedicating all possible resources to locate Laceigh and ensure her safe return," stated a representative from the Virginia Beach Police Department. "This effort relies on the community, and we ask anyone with information, no matter how trivial it may seem, to reach out to law enforcement right away."
Social media has increasingly served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about missing person cases, and Laceigh's situation is no different.
Numerous posts have appeared on local community pages, providing her description and encouraging residents to remain vigilant. Neighbors have also mobilized volunteer search campaigns, distributing flyers and collaborating with local organizations to broaden the distribution of alerts.
Despite the prompt efforts, authorities have not disclosed specifics regarding the circumstances of Laceigh's disappearance, such as whether there are suspicions of foul play or if she may have vanished voluntarily. Nevertheless, police emphasize that every case involving a missing child requires immediate attention until the individual is located and their safety confirmed.
In investigations related to missing persons like this one, organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and state clearinghouses are vital for coordinating information and spreading alerts to both the public and law enforcement agencies across various jurisdictions. These networks ensure that details and updates concerning Laceigh are rapidly communicated to a broad audience including partners and the public.
Community figures have expressed their backing, highlighting the necessity for attentiveness, compassion, and united efforts as the search progresses. “No family deserves to endure this kind of doubt,” remarked a local community member. “We are hopeful for Laceigh’s safe return and will do everything possible to aid in locating her.”
Individuals who think they might have spotted Laceigh or possess information that could aid the inquiry are encouraged to reach out to the Virginia Beach Police Department right away using their non-emergency number or the specialized missing persons team. In case of emergencies, residents should promptly call 911.
As the pursuit of Laceigh moves into a crucial upcoming period, both authorities and the local community remain optimistic that heightened awareness and collaboration will result in her safe and quick return.
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