NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Department of Public Safety is appealing to the public for assistance in locating a missing 10-year-old girl, Essence Spence-Jones. The announcement, made by Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, comes after Essence was reported missing on November 21, 2023.
Essence was last seen at Belmont Runyon School at 8:45 a.m. and was dismissed from school at 2:45 p.m. She is described as being 4’7” tall and weighing 130 pounds, with straight hair styled in a ponytail. At the time of her disappearance, Essence was wearing her school uniform, which includes a yellow shirt and blue pants, complemented by white Air Force One sneakers, an orange coat, and carrying a black North Face book bag.
Known to frequent the areas of 157 Chadwick Avenue and 180 Ridgewood Avenue, Essence is reported to be in good mental health. The Newark Police Division is actively seeking any information regarding her whereabouts and encourages anyone with knowledge to come forward.
Director Fragé has directed individuals with information to contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).