FOUND: Missing Utah teen found in Texas; suspect in police custody

An Amber Alert was issued Tuesday, March 22, 2022, for David Lopez and Areli Esmeralda Arroyo Asuna (inset), date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Police located 14-year-old Areli Esmeralda Arroyo Asuna and the 20-year-old suspect she was with in Texas shortly after an Amber Alert was issued in Utah Tuesday morning.

An Amber Alert was issued Tuesday, March 22, 2022, for David Lopez and Areli Esmeralda Arroyo Asuna, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, St. George News

The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake confirmed Tuesday night over social media that Asuna and the suspect, David Lopez, were in police custody.  The two were originally reported to possibly be headed to Mexico or Texas prior to their being located.

The alert was issued at approximately 9:50 a.m. asking people to be on the lookout for 14-year-old Areli Esmeralda Arroyo Asuna. She was last seen getting into a black Nissan Altima with 20-year-old David Lopez in Magna, who also goes by Amilsar Vasquez.

Asuna is described as a Caucasian girl, 4 feet, 7 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 90 pounds and was last seen wearing a denim jacket, denim pants, black Nikes and a white shirt. She was reportedly carrying a large, white bag.

Lopez and Asuna are possibly heading south, according to the Amber Alert. The Unified Police Department is asking the public to be on the lookout. Anyone who has seen them should call the Police Department’s 24-hour line at 801-840-4000 or 911.

Those with tips or information can also call 385-468-9858 or 385-468-9838.

Updated Mach 23, 7:25 p.m.

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