Jan 29, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
Tabitha
Perez Running Bear
16
16
62 inches
65 inches
110 lbs
120 lbs
American Indian / Alaska Native
Female
In the winter of 2024, the life of 16-year-old Tabitha Perez Running Bear took a tumultuous turn, leading to her disappearance from Edmonds, Washington. A member of the Lummi Nation, Tabitha's journey into uncertainty began when she first ran away from her foster home on December 8, 2024. A brief period of hope emerged when she was located nearly ten days later in Lynden, Washington, and was safely returned to her foster mother. However, this reunion was short-lived. The very next day, on December 18, 2024, Tabitha left again, deepening the concern of those who cared for her. The last confirmed sighting of the teenager was on December 27, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington. She was seen with her biological mother during a traffic stop, but before her identity could be officially confirmed, Tabitha walked away, vanishing once more into the complexities of her situation. The search for Tabitha was initiated by the Edmonds Police Department, who believed she might be in the areas of Bellingham, Lynden, or Blaine, Washington. Her connections to the Lummi Tribe were also a significant aspect of the investigation, as it was thought she might be seeking refuge or support within her community. Authorities and her tribal custodial case worker were aware of her circumstances, but the situation was delicate. It was believed that Tabitha was aware she was being sought by Child Protective Services and law enforcement but was actively trying to avoid being found. The Lummi Nation issued an alert for the missing teen, amplifying the efforts to locate her and bring her to safety. Descriptions provided to the public painted a picture of a young girl standing 5'2" with brown eyes and dyed brown hair, often wearing loose-fitting jeans and graphic t-shirts. The case of Tabitha Perez Running Bear is a poignant story that highlights the vulnerabilities of a teenager navigating a difficult period in her life. The circumstances of her disappearance reveal a complex narrative of a young girl caught between different worlds and authorities. Her initial act of running away, being found, and then immediately disappearing again suggests a deep-seated struggle. The fact that she was last seen with her biological mother adds another layer to the emotional and logistical challenges of her case. The overview of this case is one of a community and law enforcement's determined search for a young individual who seemed to be deliberately staying out of reach, creating a challenging and heartfelt effort to ensure her well-being. This case has since been resolved, as Tabitha has been located and is alive.
Dec 18, 2024
Edmonds
Washington
Snohomish County
Edmonds
No
163679
Edmonds Police Department
Edmonds
Washington
Snohomish County
98020
250 5th Avenue North, Washington
4257710200
Local
Law Enforcement
2024-26080
2024-12-17
Edmonds Police Department
433
Black
Brown
Brown
Yes
06/05/2026