Drones, K-9 teams used in search for missing, endangered North Carolina teen, officials say

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) — Police in a Wake County town have deployed drones and K-9 teams this weekend to help find “a critically missing, endangered teenager,” Holly Springs town officials said Sunday.

Kalea Ava Melton, 18, vanished on Saturday from Holly Springs, according to an alert from the Town of Holly Springs.

On Saturday, police searched areas around her home using unmanned aerial vehicles, police K-9 teams, and officers on foot, Holly Springs spokeswoman Kelly Miller said in a Sunday news release.

“Today, officers canvassed the area again utilizing officers on foot and a police bloodhound team,” Miller said about efforts on Sunday.

Melton’s home is located in the Twelve Oaks area off New Hill Road, family members told CBS 17 Sunday.

Melton was last seen wearing a white and pink anime sweatshirt, multicolor Vans shoes, and was carrying a Star Wars backpack, officials said. She was also seen with a Vans shopping bag containing a pillow, the news release said.

Authorities asked residents to be on the lookout for Melton, who is 5 feet tall and weighs about 77 pounds.

Officials said anyone with information about Melton’s location should contact Detective Dieckmann of the Holly Springs Police Department at 919-567-4737.

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