Update: Missing siblings found

Missing siblings reported to have run away last week have been located. Gresham police asked the public for assistance with locating missing 10 and 12-year-old siblings, Alexander “Alex” and Alissa Lewis on May 29. They left their home in the 1200 block of NW Wonderview Drive in Gresham sometime after school on May 28. Their mother had received reports of sightings while they were gone but those tips did not lead to their return. On June 4, Gresham Police renewed the call for help, asking for anyone with information of their whereabouts to call 911.

Today, June 5, both Alex and Alissa were located safe and unharmed. Detectives are thankful for the support of the community and partner agencies who helped with the investigation. Gresham Police is asking the public to respect the family’s privacy and no further information about the case will be released. 

Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating missing 10 and 12-year-old siblings who left home on May 28. They live in the 1200 block of NW Wonderview Drive in Gresham. Their mother has received reports they have been seen with extended family and friends. If anyone has information about their whereabouts, they are urged to call 911.

Alexander “Alex” Lewis, 10, is described by his family as a Black male who is approximately 5-feet and 4-inches tall, weighing 100 pounds. Alex was last seen wearing a grey and white Tupac shirt and blue jeans. 

Alissa Lewis, 12, is described by her family as a Black female who is approximately 5-feet and 6-inches tall, weighing 190 pounds. Alissa was last seen wearing a blue Nascar sweatshirt and matching blue Nascar sweatpants.

Keeping a child away from their lawful custodian may constitute the crime of Custodial Interference, a felony. (ORS 163.245). “Kids that run away sometimes tell friends and family they have no place to stay or their living situation is not safe,” explained Officer Jarom Sweazey, who has worked in youth services for more than 13 years. “We investigate reports of neglect or abuse but they do not permit you to harbor someone else’s child,” Sweazey added.

If you think a child is being abused or neglected, you should call the police. Officers will investigate the report and work with Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services (CPS) employees to ensure the child is safe. Additionally, reports can be made directly to the Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233). Trained child welfare screeners will talk with you about your concerns and decide if follow-up or referrals are needed.

In addition to DHS, Gresham Police partners with New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) and the Alba Collaborative who provide 24/7 services for youth, ages 9 to 17, in crisis or in need of a safe place to stay. They are located at the New Avenues Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), 470 SE 165th Ave., Portland, OR 97233 on a shared campus with Boys and Girls Club, Open School, and Latino Network.