562.570.5273
LBPDPIO@longbeach.gov
Special Investigations Division detectives rescued a 14-year-old girl, believed to be the victim of human trafficking.
On Feb. 13, 2026, LBPD received a report of a missing 14-year-old girl. Based on the preliminary investigation, officers determined the girl may have been the victim of human trafficking.
LBPD officers and detectives immediately began their efforts to locate the girl. After a few hours, they located her in the city of Los Angeles. Officers brought her back to Long Beach, where she was connected with resources through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who would also facilitate her return home.
The human trafficking investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.
“Human trafficking and the exploitation of children will never be tolerated in our community and the Long Beach Police Department will use all available resources to rescue the vulnerable victims of this reprehensible criminal activity,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “I'm extremely proud of our detectives and police officers for working so hard to rescue this victim. I commend our personnel for their ongoing efforts to locate and arrest all those responsible for this unacceptable crime.”
See Something, Say Something. To report incidents of human trafficking:
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1.
- If you have information about a trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free (24/7) by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733, or using the online chat feature at humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the LBPD Societal Crimes Section at (562) 570-7219. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.