Authorities in South Carolina have issued an urgent appeal for information regarding a 16-year-old girl who vanished from her home in late November and may now be travelling with an unidentified man.
An Endangered Runaway
The Lexington County Sheriff's Office is leading the search for Mackenzie Dalton, who is classified as an 'endangered juvenile runaway'. She was last seen leaving her Lexington home in late November, taking a suitcase and driving away in a vehicle.
Investigators have since confirmed they have recovered both the car she used and the suitcase she took from her family home. However, the teenager herself remains missing. "We think she's traveling with a man she knows," the sheriff's office revealed, though they have not disclosed the man's identity, age, or physical description.
Critical Public Appeal
Law enforcement officials stress that Dalton's status as a minor, combined with the length of her absence—now stretching into weeks—places her in a position of significant vulnerability. They are urging the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem.
"Even details you may consider insignificant could help," investigators emphasised. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Crimestoppers mobile app or by calling the dedicated hotline on (888) 274-6372.
Dalton is described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing approximately 118 pounds, with long blonde hair and light-coloured eyes. Police have not said what clothing she was wearing when she disappeared.
A Troubling Pattern in South Carolina
This case highlights a wider, concerning issue within the state. According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, more than 200 children were reported missing statewide in both 2022 and 2023. Runaway cases involving juveniles constitute a large portion of these reports.
Advocates warn that such cases can rapidly escalate into more dangerous situations, particularly when minors are believed to be with adults. Under South Carolina law, kidnapping is a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment upon conviction.
While authorities have not confirmed any specific crime in connection with Dalton's disappearance or discussed potential charges, the investigation remains active and focused on locating the endangered teen and ensuring her safe return.
