Police Provide Update on Autistic Girl Who Went Missing During Tropical Storm Isaias

Click here for Wednesday morning's update from police

A 5-year-old girl from Towamencin Township remains missing at this time, and police said they will continue their search efforts throughout the night.

Towamencin Police Chief Tim Dickinson told North Penn Now that Eliza Talal — who has autism and is nonverbal — walked out of her home on Spring Valley Road around noon on Tuesday, just as Tropical Storm Isaias made its way through the area and caused widespread flooding.

Dickinson said Talal’s home borders a creek, and first responders have conducted extensive air and ground searches for more than nine hours, but they have been unsuccessful in locating the girl at this time.

Multiple sources confirmed to North Penn Now that shortly before 6 p.m., canine search and rescue dogs lost Talal’s scent at the creek, at which point multiple boats were launched at Fischer’s Park to conduct a water search. Aerial searches of the area have also been conducted, utilizing both drones and support from a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter.

Dickinson said that police intend to expand the search area tomorrow. He added that though the community has been active in the search, there is no need for further volunteers, and he discouraged anyone from attempting to continue the search in areas containing water or heavy woods while it remains dark out.

Residents in the area are also encouraged to search their own properties and neighborhoods. Additionally, sources tell North Penn Now that the Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to utilize helicopters equipped with thermal-imaging cameras throughout the night.

See also:

Police Searching For Missing Girl With Special Needs In Towamencin

Lansdale Police Seek Public Assistance In Locating Missing Teen

Police Searching For Missing Harleysville Woman [UPDATED]

Police Searching for Missing Runaway Teen (UPDATE: Found)

Perkasie Police Search for Missing Teen (UPDATE: Found)