Special to The Reporter

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office is seeking information from the public for a runaway/missing juvenile, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

On March 2, a missing person report was made for 16-year-old female Sara Dena Steele, who is reported as 5-foot-4, 140 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.

She was last seen on March 2, 2024 wearing a blue shirt and black and white checkered pants. It is believed she left with her brown and white King Charles Spaniel dog named Bear. She was reported missing from the Egypt community in Etowah County. At this time there is no known vehicle description to share.

Etowah County investigators have been working tirelessly since the time of the report checking all leads and tips that are coming in. Federal authority partners, and the East Metro Area Crime Center (EMAC), are involved and assisting with the case.

There have been several things that have been shared on social media that have been untrue or could not be verified by investigators at this point.

“We would like to remind everyone that posting certain items on social media start unnecessary rumors which can slow and hinder investigations,” Horton said.

The Etowah Sheriff's office will continue to work the case as an urgent situation until it proves otherwise.

Please send any information to the Sheriff's Office TipLine at 256-549-2893, tipline@etowahcounty.org, www.etowahcountysheriff.com/crime-tip or remain anonymous with Central Alabama CrimeStopper at 334-215-STOP.