Pierce County deputies searching for girl, 14, now called 'a likely runaway'

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. -- Deputies are searching for a 14-year-old Spanaway Lake High School student who left for a walk but never returned home.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Aaleeyah Shellman was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Sunday at her grandparents' home near Canyon Road E. and 170th St. E. in Frederickson.

Her family said the girl was stressed about a school project and was going for a short walk through the neighborhood. At 6:13 p.m., she texted her grandmother to say she'd be home soon but never showed up.



Aaleeyah Shellman is 5' 6" tall and 100 pounds. She has black shoulder length hair -- often worn in a bun. She was last seen wearing a white zip-up hooded sweatshirt, black leggings and white shoes.

Authorities initially said does not have a history of running away, but later said the case was being classified as a possible runaway.

"A full Search & Rescue callout was initiated overnight and the neighborhood was searched by K9 including bloodhounds. Detectives are currently interviewing Shellman’s family and friends, and are asking everyone in the Frederickson area – especially near Canyon Rd. between 160th/Brookdale and 176th St. E. – to check your home or business surveillance cameras from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening for any images of Aaleeyah Shellman or any suspicious activity.

"At this time we do not need volunteers to aid in the search and asking that non-residents please do not come to the neighborhood in efforts to help. We are actively conducting K9 and evidence searches, and do not want the scene disturbed/contaminated. Thank you!"


Aaleeyah Shellman