According to authorities, the girl was a runaway because she intentionally left home. The girl was never actually “missing.”
Authorities said runaways are neither considered missing or endangered and limited resources are used when locating runaway teens due to the frequency of occurrences in Marion County.
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A BOLO (be on the lookout) has been issued for a 16-year-old Forest High School girl.
Kristie Michelle Stafford was last seen on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.
Her family reported her missing when she did not return home from school.
For reasons unknown at this time, Stafford has been classified as a runaway, but her family says running away would be out of character for her.
The manager of the Winn-Dixie where Stafford works said she stopped by to cash her check and seemed fine. Stafford was reportedly alone when she cashed her check.
Stafford drives a 2008 gray, two-door Honda Civic. VIN: 1HGCS12358A027738, the license plate number is unknown at this time.
Stafford is 5′ 5″, weighs approximately 160 pounds, wears glasses, and has brown hair.
If you have details about Kristie Stafford, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 or Ocala Police at 352-369-7000. You can phone anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.