Missing 15-year-old student turns up to TV station to 'tell her story' one week after disappearing

A 15-year-old student who went missing was found a week later outside a TV studio saying she wanted to 'tell her story'.

Alison Jillian Chao had been reported missing on 16 July after she left her home on a bike for her aunt's house, but never arrived.

Chao was then found on 23 July outside the ABC 7 office in Glendale, California.

A press release via Monterey Park Police Department said Chao had been ' safely located this morning' with the help of the Glendale Police Department.

ABC 7 reported that a security guard working for them said they saw the girl walking while she was being followed by someone in a car who had recognised her as a missing person and called the police.

That woman who was following Alison in her car was named Rachelle, and she told ABC 7 that she was getting her morning coffee when she spotted the missing student and thought there was 'no way that could be the missing person'.

There had been missing posters up of Chao, and the woman who'd spotted her explained that something in her head was telling her 'it's her'.

The 15-year-old went missing last week, and was found outside a TV studio. (Monterey Park Police Department)

She called the police and followed the student to the ABC 7 studios, with police turning up shortly afterwards.

Rachelle told the broadcaster: "What struck me immediately was how self-possessed she was. Sound of mind. Very articulate, very clear on what the situation was.

"She was very clear on 'I've come to ABC to tell my story. No one else will listen to me'.

"She was crying. She was very upset. Mostly about not being able to tell her story."

After her missing daughter was found, Alison's mother Annie released a statement saying: "Alison is a young girl and her feelings about my divorce from her father are understandably complicated, but she has a family (both my side and her dad's side) that loves and adores her.

"I will always do my best to protect Alison's interests, no matter the circumstances and regardless of the stones that may be thrown at me."

Rachelle, who recognised the missing student said the 15-year-old wanted to 'tell her story'. (ABC 7)

According to legal representatives of Jeffrey Chao, Alison's father, the 15-year-old's mother had recently been granted physical custody of the student on a temporary basis.

Emily Robinson, an attorney appointed by a court in May to represent the 15-year-old said in a statement: "We have an extremely competent judge who has thoroughly examined this case from inside out during the course of multiple court hearings that have occurred.

"Based upon my advocacy for Alison, in consultation with her medical professionals, along with evidence presented to the court, which has included testimony from both parents, the judge has made determinations that are solely in Alison's best interest, including awarding Alison's mother, Annie Chao, sole decision making authority regarding Alison's mental health and sole physical custody of her."

LADbible has contacted Monterey Park Police Department and Glendale Police Department for comment.