Dogs, Drones Used To Search For Missing Teen As Police Ask Public For Help

YORKVILLE, IL — The search continued Thursday for missing 16-year-old Aiyana Williams in Yorkville, police said. Williams went missing from the Country Hills subdivision, off Route 71, on Monday night.

On Thursday afternoon, Yorkville police gave an update on the search, saying police dogs and drones have been used to try to find the teen, who was last seen in the area of Fawn Ridge Court.

Police have coordinated searches with mounted search and rescue teams, members of the Illinois Search and Rescue Council, and several police agencies who provided K-9 tracking and the use of drones to scan the area, including bodies of water, officials said.

"We continue to follow up on numerous tips, review surveillance footage, and remain fully committed to locating Aiyana and reuniting her with her family," police said in a release Thursday afternoon. "We ask residents in the area to continue checking their properties—including under decks, in sheds, garages and any place where a teen may seek shelter. If you have outdoor security cameras, please review footage from the past several days and report anything that may be helpful."

Residents are also asked to be mindful of any sign that someone may have tried to access water or food sources near their property.

Police said they have no evidence of foul play and are investigating Williams as a runaway.

"Additionally, we have learned that Aiyana does not have any indication of autism or developmental delay," police said. "There is no indication of danger to the public, but we ask for continued vigilance and compassion as we work through this difficult situation. Our goal is the safe return of Aiyana to her family. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and ask for your continued partnership in helping us bring Aiyana home."

Aiyana is Black, and is described as being 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and unknown color shorts, and was not wearing shoes, police said.

Anyone with information on Aiyana's whereabouts is asked to contact the Yorkville Police Department tip line at 630-553-8590 or submit a tip via email at ypdtipline@yorkville.il.us.