Police Seek Missing 15-Year-Old in Berks County
Parents of Pennsylvania teens are reminded that a child who does not return home should be reported to police right away.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 15-year-old Madelyn Chaney, who was reported missing by her parents on Wednesday night in Berks County. Police say she left her home at about 7 p.m. Wednesday and has not returned, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
Why it matters
Missing-child cases in Pennsylvania draw immediate public help when families and police can share accurate descriptions and tips quickly. For parents of pre-teens and young teens, a case like this is a reminder that a missed return home is a reason to act at once and to contact police without delay.
The report comes from a missing persons filing by her parents and an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police that determined she left home and did not return. The public description includes hazel eyes, black hair and red highlights, and police have asked anyone with information to call Pennsylvania State Police Hamburg at 610-562-6885.
The players
Pennsylvania State Police
The state's primary law enforcement agency, which leads missing-person investigations and public appeals across Pennsylvania.
The details
Police responded to Quarry Road in Berks County at 10 p.m. Wednesday after the girl's parents reported her missing. Investigators determined through their inquiry that Madelyn left her home around 7 p.m. and did not return. Anyone who saw her or has information about where she may have gone is being asked to contact the Hamburg barracks directly.
Timeline
Wednesday, approximately 7 p.m.: Madelyn Chaney left home and did not return.
Wednesday, 10 p.m.: Police responded to Quarry Road after the missing juvenile report.
Health Landscape
Missing-juvenile cases are handled through a fixed sequence of parental reporting, police response and public appeal, which is designed to move quickly during the first hours after a child is unaccounted for. Families of pre-teens and teens benefit from knowing this process, since early reporting and clear physical descriptions shape how quickly a search can widen.
Parents of pre-teens and teens should keep a current photo and physical description of their child on hand and agree on a check-in plan for when plans change. If a child does not return home at the expected time, contacting police promptly is the step that starts the search.
The takeaway
Anyone with information about Madelyn Chaney is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police Hamburg at 610-562-6885. Keeping a recent photo and physical description of a teen ready makes it faster for police to act if a child goes missing.
Further reading
For more on family safety and this age group, see Pre-Teens in our family coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFMZ.
