Missing Vancouver teen found safe

Crystal's phone was found 'discarded' at Vancouver mall earlier Tuesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 16-year-old boy reported missing in what Vancouver police described as “an extremely suspicious incident” was found safe early Tuesday evening, hours after a search began, they said. authorities to KOIN 6 News.

Details about where the teen was found have not yet been released by authorities. KOIN 6 News will update this story later.

How it started

The teen – biologically male – identifies as female and goes by the name Crystal. Shortly before 1 p.m., Crystal's cell phone was found “discarded” just outside the mall, police said.

Vancouver police spokesperson Kim Kapp told KOIN 6 News the family members were at the mall and split up to go shopping, but agreed to meet up at the car at one precise. When Crystal didn't show up, the family became worried.

The family “stated it was very unusual for her to be outside of any planned events or structures,” Kapp said.

Vancouver police said it was “an extremely suspicious incident and is currently being investigated with high priority and all available resources.”

Officers canvassed the area and Kapp said detectives from their digital evidence cybercrime unit were working the case.