Police search for missing 16-year-old girl last seen in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI — A 16-year-old girl has been missing since she allegedly left her family's home without permission a few days ago, police said.

Around 6 a.m. on Monday, June 3, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to a report that the woman had left her residence in the 3400 block of West Michigan Avenue without permission.

The juvenile, Xitlali “Ruby” Cruz, was last seen around 4:45 a.m. Monday, leaving her home on West Michigan Avenue, police said.

“Just let her know she's not going to get in trouble, we just want her back safe,” the child's mother, Iris Barraza, told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette on Wednesday, June 5.

KDPS officers searched the area for Cruz and investigated leads elsewhere. Police issued a news release and a photo of the girl in hopes of getting the public's help in locating her.

She had not been found as of Wednesday morning, KDPS said.

“I just talked to the detective and sent him everything I know,” Barraza said. “I don’t know where she could be.”

Surrounding law enforcement was notified and asked to monitor Cruz.

Cruz is described as a 16-year-old Hispanic female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes, KDPS said.

Cruz took a “sparkly backpack” with her and police did not have a description of her clothing, KDPS said.

She doesn't have an electronic device with her, Barraza said, so she's not expected to be active on social media.

KDPS is asking for the public's help in locating Cruz. Anyone who sees her is asked to call their local police department, Kalamazoo Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or go to www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

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