Missing Laramie Teen Found Safe, Police Close Search

Laramie Police confirmed that 15 year old McKinsey Phelps was found safe following a search that began after a department post on social media at 11:01 a.m. on December 9. The initial alert requested public assistance locating Phelps, who was described at the time as last seen wearing a black hoodie and jeans and carrying a black backpack with a pumpkin design. Law enforcement agencies involved in the alert included the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Missing Persons section, and previously the Albany County Sheriff's Office.

The missing person entry listed specific identifying details used to mobilize the search. Investigators recorded that Phelps has green eyes and brown hair that was dyed with the right half blonde and the left half red. She was reported as 5 foot 2 and weighing 160 pounds. Authorities had asked anyone with information to contact police dispatch at 307 721 2526 or the Division of Criminal Investigation at 307 777 7181. Those numbers remain the appropriate contacts for reporting information on missing persons in the region.

This is not the first instance of Phelps leaving home. The Albany County Sheriff's Office previously sought public assistance locating her on April 18. That recurrence underscores challenges Albany County faces when juveniles run away, including immediate safety risks, the workload placed on multiple responding agencies, and the longer term needs for family intervention and youth services.

For local residents the episode is a reminder of the role community members play in public safety and the importance of rapid reporting. It also points to larger policy questions for county officials and service providers about prevention, access to mental health and family support, and interagency coordination when young people go missing. As the search has concluded, officials may review response procedures and resource allocation to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and to ensure timely, effective responses when similar cases arise.