16-Year-Old Vanishes from Tortosa: Suspected Runaway from Juvenile Facility

**Maricopa Teen Missing: Investigation Underway**

Maricopa police are on the lookout for 16-year-old Javier Alzuhair-Sainz, who left his home Saturday carrying two pillowcases filled with clothes. His mother, Ivette Aurora Sainz-Tapia, expressed deep concern, noting that her son has had previous run-ins with the law and a troubled history. “This time feels different,” she said, describing his association with a problematic crowd.

Sainz-Tapia reported that a grey, four-door car picked up Javier around 10 p.m. on the day he disappeared. She was unable to capture the car’s license plate or see who was driving. The family’s worries have intensified given Javier’s pending juvenile court appearance, with his mother fearing that missing the date will result in a warrant for his arrest.

Before leaving, the teenager mentioned to his grandmother that he intended to go to Mexico, wanting to avoid the judicial consequences awaiting him. “Time is of the essence,” Sainz-Tapia emphasized, sharing that a tip indicated he was seen at Walmart, possibly still in Maricopa.

The Maricopa Police Department has coordinated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to track down Javier. “We are actively pursuing leads suggesting he remains in Maricopa, possibly staying with acquaintances,” confirmed MPD spokesperson Monica Williams.

Described as five-foot-six and 110 pounds, Javier is not currently enrolled in school and has been grappling with substance abuse issues. His mother’s distress reflects broader concerns about the city’s safety: “It’s really frustrating as parents, even if we know where they’re at, to get our kids back.”

Authorities have classified Javier as a runaway. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Maricopa Police Department at 520-568-3673.