15-year-old South Elgin runaway missing for a month

Sara Moreno has been missing for four weeks, and while running away is not new for the 15-year-old South Elgin girl, her parents are becoming increasingly worried.

Moreno left for school one day in mid-April but walked out of Gifford Street High School in Elgin and hasn’t been seen by her parents since.

Pedro Moreno said his daughter didn’t take any clothes from home or medication she is supposed to be taking for depression.

“She’s left before but for much less time,” Moreno said.

Usually his daughter leaves for a week and then comes back. Moreno and his wife are worried she could be mixed up with dangerous people and drugs.

“She wants to be free,” Moreno said. “She thinks she’s grown and doesn’t have to listen to anyone.”

But she is only 15 and her parents are worried about her safety.

Elgin Police have an open investigation into Moreno’s disappearance because she was last seen in Elgin rather than her hometown. While detectives could not discuss specifics because Moreno is a minor, Commander Glenn Theriault said it is standard practice to follow up on any leads to try to locate a missing person.

“We do not suspect foul play in this case, but we’re doing everything we can to try to find where she may be staying right now,” Theriault said.

Moreno’s parents believe she may still be in Elgin but hiding.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts should call Detective Brian Lawrence at (847) 289-2700.