Hernando County Sheriff Seeks Help Locating Missing 13-Year-Old Cherrish Arnold

A 13-year-old Hernando County resident, Cherrish Arnold (DOB 01/31/2012), went missing after leaving her Armstrong Street residence in Brooksville at about 7:22 p.m. on January 25, 2026, following an argument with a family member. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office issued a public appeal January 27 seeking help locating the endangered juvenile, and said no additional details were available at the time of the release.

Authorities describe Cherrish as approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and 114 pounds, with brown eyes and black braided hair. She was reported last seen wearing a multi-colored top and shorts and reportedly wearing a shoulder-length wig. Investigators have not released further information about her movements after she left the home.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830. Community members may also submit anonymous tips to Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or through the Crime Stoppers website; tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

A missing child in a close-knit community like Brooksville raises immediate public-safety and civic concerns. Neighbors, school officials, local transit operators, and businesses along likely routes can play a decisive role in short-term searches by checking surveillance footage, canvassing areas near Armstrong Street, and reporting any possible sightings quickly. Local trust in law-enforcement communication also matters; the sheriff’s office made the release to solicit public assistance and to centralize reporting through official channels.

This incident underscores the operational roles of local institutions in urgent missing-person cases. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office coordinates the investigative response, while Crime Stoppers provides an anonymized tip mechanism and a financial incentive intended to encourage community cooperation. For residents, the practical steps are clear: confirm that immediate family and close contacts have been checked, review home and business security footage if available for the evening of January 25, and call the sheriff’s office or Crime Stoppers with any information.

The investigation is ongoing and the sheriff’s office may release further updates as new information becomes available. For now, the immediate public task is watchful attention and prompt reporting; a single credible sighting can materially change the search. Anyone who believes they saw Cherrish or who has information about her whereabouts should call 352-754-6830 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477).