Newark Community Asked to Help Find Missing Teenager
Authorities are seeking public tips to locate 17-year-old Maria Loja Guasco, who was last seen on Tuesday afternoon.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Newark police are asking for the public's help in locating 17-year-old Maria Loja Guasco, who was reported missing on Tuesday. She was last seen in the area of South Street near Orchard Street at 2:50 p.m.
Why it matters
Law enforcement officials have launched a search for the teenager and are requesting community assistance to ensure her safe return. Sharing descriptive details from the official report is part of the standard protocol for locating missing persons in the area.
This missing person report follows standard police procedures for active search operations involving a 17-year-old resident. Her current location remains unknown, and investigators are continuing their search based on the last verified sighting.
The players
Newark Police Division
The local municipal agency responsible for public safety, criminal investigations, and managing missing person reports in the city.
The details
Maria Loja Guasco was last observed on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a pink shirt, gray pants, and pink sandals. Her face was noted to be covered in red makeup, a detail police are asking the public to keep in mind while searching the neighborhood.
Timeline
Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Maria Loja Guasco was reported missing.
2:50 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2026: The teenager was last seen at South Street and Orchard Street.
Health Landscape
This search follows the established protocols for community notification used by local law enforcement to assist in the recovery of missing minors. Such efforts are a critical part of maintaining public safety and rapid response capabilities within the Newark area.
Residents of Newark are asked to remain vigilant and report any information that may lead to the teenager's recovery. If you have any relevant information, contact the police immediately through official channels rather than attempting to intervene.
The takeaway
The Newark Police Division asks anyone with information to contact the 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-695-8477. You may also submit information anonymously through the official Police Division website.
Further reading
For resources on keeping your family informed and safe, visit the Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
