DAYTON, OH — Dayton police issued a Joshua Alert Monday afternoon for 16-year-old Americus Phillips, a teen from the Dayton area who was last seen on Oakridge Drive. Authorities said they are concerned for her safety and are asking anyone who spots her to call 911 right away.

Phillips is described as a White female with blonde hair and brown eyes. Police said she is 5-foot-4 and about 210 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue leggings, a white sweater, a tan jacket, a black shirt, black boots and glasses.

Officials identified Phillips as a high-functioning person with autism, which is why the Joshua Alert was activated. The alert is used in cases involving missing people with autism or another developmental disability.

What police say about Americus Phillips

Police released several identifying details as part of the search effort. Phillips is 16 years old and was last seen in the 45417 ZIP code, according to Dayton authorities.

Along with her clothing, police said she was wearing glasses when she was last seen. Her height, weight, hair color and eye color were also shared publicly to help community members recognize her quickly.

Officials have not publicly said how long she had been missing before the alert was issued. The focus for now is on getting information from anyone who may have seen her in or around the Oakridge Drive area.

Where she was last seen in Dayton

Oakridge Drive is in southwest Dayton, within the 45417 ZIP code, and police tied the alert to that location as they asked for the public’s help. No additional travel direction or destination was included in the notice.

That makes immediate recognition especially important for residents nearby and for anyone who may have seen a teen matching her description Monday. Police have not said whether she may have been on foot, with another person, or headed toward another part of the city.

The alert was distributed Monday afternoon, signaling a rapid response as officers worked to gather tips and locate her. For now, the search remains centered on the Dayton area.

Why a Joshua Alert was used

A Joshua Alert is used when a missing person has autism or another developmental disability. The goal is to quickly spread identifying information and reach the public while the search is still active.

In this case, Dayton police said Phillips is high-functioning and has autism, and they emphasized concern for her safety. The alert system is meant to help bridge the gap between a missing-person report and fast community awareness.

Because the alert includes specific physical details and clothing, it gives neighbors, drivers and businesses a chance to watch for someone who fits that description. The quicker the information moves, the better the odds of getting a useful sighting reported.

How the public can help right now

Anyone who sees Americus Phillips is being told to call 911 immediately. Dayton police also listed their direct number for tips: 937-333-1070.

Authorities want people to report any possible sighting, even if they are not fully certain. Details such as where she was seen, what direction she was heading, and who she may have been with could all help investigators narrow the search.

Police have not released any additional update on her condition or location. Until she is found, the public alert remains the most important tool for expanding the search beyond the immediate area where she was last seen.

A local search with urgent implications

Missing-child cases involving autism often move quickly because communication, awareness and safety can become urgent concerns. Dayton police framed this case in those terms when they asked the community to help locate Phillips.

The notice gives residents a clear description to watch for: a 16-year-old White girl with blonde hair and brown eyes, last seen in blue leggings, a white sweater, tan jacket, black shirt, black boots and glasses. Even a brief or uncertain sighting could be valuable.

For now, the alert keeps attention on the Dayton area and on the possibility that someone in the community may have information that can bring the teen home safely.