Fairfield police have intensified their search for 16-year-old Jomana Ali, who was reported missing on July 2. Authorities have deemed her an endangered missing juvenile due to concerns over her age and mental health. Ali was last seen near an auto repair shop in Bellmawr, New Jersey, more than 100 miles from her home in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Sgt. Michael Stahl of the Fairfield Police Department provided updates on the case, stating that Ali was last captured on video surveillance near the Ace Auto Repair at 132 N. Black Horse Pike in Bellmawr just after midnight on July 3. "She is considered an endangered missing juvenile at this time," Stahl emphasized, adding that there is no evidence to suggest trafficking or similar dangers.
Ali was first reported missing from the Elm Street area of Fairfield. She left her home willingly around 5:45 p.m. on July 2, turned off the location services on her phone, and has not been active on social media since. Surveillance footage later showed her at a southbound Interstate 95 rest area, wearing black leggings, Converse sneakers with white soles, and a blue T-shirt with white lettering.
Witnesses at the rest area reported that Ali approached them, expressing her desire to run away from home and seeking transportation to an unknown location. She was seen entering a black Saturn Ion with Massachusetts plates. This car was later found in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the driver telling police they had dropped Ali off at a gas station on North Black Horse Pike in Bellmawr, New Jersey.
Fairfield police have updated national databases and notified local authorities. Detectives have also traveled to New Jersey multiple times in their search for Ali. Despite these efforts, investigators have not found any connections Ali may have to the New Jersey or Pennsylvania areas.
Photos of Jomana
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has joined the effort, urging the public to come forward with any information on Ali's whereabouts. Fairfield police are encouraging anyone with knowledge about her location to contact them at 203-254-4800 or dial 911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or online at fpdct.com/tips.
Ali's family is deeply concerned for her mental health and well-being, as she left home without her daily medications. "I don't have any words to say... I just miss my daughter. It's been ten days now. We don't know where she went, what she's doing," her mother expressed, highlighting the family's anguish during this difficult time.
Her phone, found in the bed of a pickup truck parked at the I-95 rest area in Fairfield, has been a crucial piece of evidence. The driver of the truck discovered the phone and contacted Fairfield Police Detectives. Despite this lead, Ali's last known location remains Bellmawr, New Jersey, around the Ace Auto Repair area.
Ali's case has garnered significant attention, with police releasing new surveillance photos to aid in the search. Authorities believe she might still be in the Bellmawr area or the surrounding Philadelphia region. As the investigation continues, the police remain hopeful that public awareness and assistance will lead to Ali's safe return.
Fairfield Police have been meticulous in their efforts, with Sgt. Stahl noting, "We are doing everything we can to find Jomana and bring her back safely. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help us in this critical search."
The ongoing investigation underscores the urgent need for community support and vigilance. As days pass, the collective effort of law enforcement, national organizations, and the public remains vital in the quest to locate Jomana Ali and ensure her safety. The case highlights the importance of swift action and widespread cooperation in addressing missing persons, particularly vulnerable youths like Ali.
