Arizona Turquoise Alert : Search Intensifies for Missing Mesa Teen
In the early hours of a November morning, a rare type of alert buzzed on cell phones across Arizona—only the second of its kind since the system launched this summer. Authorities have issued a Turquoise Alert for 16-year-old Yolyn Hermios, who vanished from her Mesa home under circumstances her family calls “out of character,” sparking a urgent search and shining a light on a new tool in Arizona’s public safety arsenal .
The Mesa Police Department reports that Yolyn was last seen around 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, near the area of Dobson and Broadway roads . Her sudden disappearance prompted immediate concern from her family, leading investigators to activate the Turquoise Alert, a system designed to find missing and endangered individuals who don’t meet the stricter criteria for Amber or Silver Alerts .
The Missing Teen: A Call for Public Vigilance
Law enforcement is urging the public to be on the lookout and has shared a detailed description of Yolyn to aid in her safe recovery :
Age: 16 years old
Ethnicity: Pacific Islander
Height: 4 feet, 2 inches
Weight: Approximately 110 pounds
Physical Features: Brown hair with green faded highlights, and brown eyes.
Last Known Clothing: A black shirt, red shorts, and black tennis shoes.
Authorities are asking anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact the Mesa Police Department immediately at (480) 644-2211.
What is an Arizona Turquoise Alert?
The Arizona Turquoise Alert, officially known as “Emily’s Law,” represents a critical step forward in the state’s effort to protect vulnerable missing persons. The system is named in honor of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe who was found murdered after her disappearance earlier this year . Her tragic case exposed a gap in existing alert systems and galvanized support for a new law that could respond to similar emergencies.
The Turquoise Alert is specifically designed to bridge the gap between other alerts. While the Amber Alert is for abducted children and the SAFE (formerly Silver) Alert is for older adults or those with cognitive disabilities, the Turquoise Alert covers missing endangered persons under the age of 65. Activation is not taken lightly; a specific set of criteria must be met before a Turquoise Alert is broadcast statewide :
The missing person is under 65 years old.
The investigating law enforcement agency has used all available local resources.
The disappearance is unexplained, suspicious, or the person is not considered just a runaway.
There is a belief that the missing person is in danger or with a potentially dangerous person.
Public dissemination of information could assist in the person’s safe recovery.
The goal is to leverage the power of community awareness, mobilizing the public to become the eyes and ears for law enforcement when every minute counts .
“Emily’s Law”: A Legacy Forged in Tragedy
The creation of the Arizona Turquoise Alert is rooted in a profound community loss. Emily Pike’s story resonated across the state, highlighting how the “runaway” label can sometimes delay urgent search efforts . Her family and tribal community advocated fiercely for a system that would ensure others in similar situations would not be overlooked.
“When we announced this bill, it was in January, we had no idea that Emily Pike had gone missing,” said Representative Teresa Martinez, the bill’s sponsor, her voice cracking with emotion during a legislative session. “By the time it came over to the Senate, we had realized that not only had she gone missing, she had been missing for 30 days, and no one bothered to look for her… We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted” .
While Emily’s own case, tragically, would not have qualified for the alert due to the initial “runaway” designation, her legacy is a more responsive and inclusive system . The law that bears her name is a testament to the relentless advocacy of her family and a growing consensus among criminal justice experts that any missing child should be considered endangered to spur immediate action .
A New and Critical Tool for Arizona
The search for Yolyn Hermios marks a pivotal test for the fledgling Turquoise Alert system. Since its official launch in July 2025, the alert has been activated only one other time—a successful July operation that led to the safe recovery of a 6-year-old girl within an hour of the notification .
The limited use of the alert so far has sparked discussion about its role and application. An analysis by Arizona Luminaria found that hundreds of people reported missing in Arizona since the alert’s launch met the basic age requirement, but the stringent activation criteria mean it is reserved for the most critical and suspicious cases .
The alert is disseminated through multiple channels to ensure wide reach, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to cell phones, social media, the Arizona DPS website, and, when relevant, messaging boards on state highways . This multi-pronged approach is designed to create a net of public awareness that can lead to a swift and safe recovery.
How You Can Help
For the family and friends of Yolyn Hermios, the activation of the Arizona Turquoise Alert is a beacon of hope. It means that the full weight of the state’s public notification system is being deployed to bring her home.
Public cooperation is the cornerstone of any successful alert system. The community’s role is not passive; it is proactive and essential. If you live in or are traveling through the Mesa area or anywhere in Arizona, stay vigilant. Look at the description and the photo. Check your surroundings. If you see Yolyn or have any information that could assist investigators, do not hesitate.
Contact the Mesa Police Department at (480) 644-2211 or call 911 immediately. A single piece of information from a watchful community member could be the key to solving this case and safely reuniting a teenager with her worried family.
