Coalmine, Arizona, January 16, 2026
A Turquoise Alert has been activated for 8-year-old Maleeka Boone, who went missing from the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. Authorities are urgently seeking the public’s help to locate her, as she has not been seen since January 15. The alert system, designed for missing Indigenous persons, highlights the urgency of the situation. Maleeka was last seen wearing an AZ red jacket and blue jeans, with cowboy French braids. Local residents are asked to remain vigilant and report any sightings to aid the search efforts.
Coalmine, Arizona
Turquoise Alert Issued for Missing 8-Year-Old Maleeka Boone from Navajo Nation
An urgent Turquoise Alert has been issued for 8-year-old Maleeka “Mollie” Boone, who was reported missing from the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. Authorities are seeking immediate public assistance to locate Maleeka, who has not been seen or heard from since the night of January 15. The alert, a critical tool designed specifically for missing Indigenous persons, was activated early Friday morning, signifying the serious and time-sensitive nature of her disappearance.
Details of Maleeka Boone’s Disappearance and Description
Maleeka Boone, identified as a Native American female, was last observed on the evening of January 15. Her last known location was in Coalmine, Arizona, a community situated within the expansive Navajo Nation territory. The Navajo Police Department has taken the lead in the intensive search operations and is urgently appealing to residents across Arizona, particularly within Navajo County and neighboring regions, to maintain vigilance and report any relevant observations.
A distinct description of Maleeka has been provided to assist in identification. When she was last seen, she was wearing an AZ RED JACKET and BLUE JEANS. A notable feature is her hairstyle, described as COWBOY FRENCH BRAIDS. These specific details are considered vital for anyone who may have encountered her or possesses any information pertinent to her current whereabouts. The ability of the public to recognize these distinguishing characteristics could be crucial in advancing the search.
Understanding the Turquoise Alert System and Its Purpose
The Turquoise Alert system represents a specialized statewide initiative in Arizona, strategically developed to facilitate the search and safe recovery of missing Indigenous persons. This alert mechanism is activated under specific criteria: when an Indigenous individual is reported missing, and law enforcement agencies determine that there is a credible and immediate threat to their safety or well-being. Its operational framework mirrors that of other established public alert systems, enabling the rapid dissemination of critical information to a broad and diverse audience. This includes broadcasting details through various media outlets, leveraging digital communication platforms, and engaging community networks.
The fundamental objective of the Turquoise Alert is to actively involve the public in the search process. By raising widespread awareness, the system aims to generate potential leads, encourage public reporting of sightings, and ultimately expedite the safe return of the missing individual. The geographic scope of the current Turquoise Alert for Maleeka Boone has been specifically designated for Navajo County. This targeted activation underscores the localized focus of the search while simultaneously leveraging statewide resources and public attention, highlighting the urgency and coordinated effort behind the search for the missing eight-year-old girl. The vast and often remote terrain of the Navajo Nation can present unique challenges to search and rescue operations, making widespread public awareness through alerts like this particularly invaluable.
Urgent Call for Public Assistance and Community Vigilance
The Navajo Police Department is earnestly requesting that any individual possessing information, irrespective of how insignificant it might appear, come forward without delay. All credible tips can be directly communicated to the Navajo Police Department, who are working tirelessly on this case. The prompt and extensive circulation of Maleeka’s physical description and the circumstances of her last known appearance are of paramount importance. Members of the community are strongly encouraged to actively share the alert through their personal networks and social media to significantly broaden its reach and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Every single piece of verifiable information has the potential to be a critical component in assisting authorities to pinpoint Maleeka’s location and ensure her well-being.
The active participation and collective vigilance of the community form the bedrock of the Turquoise Alert system’s effectiveness. Residents throughout northern Arizona, with a particular emphasis on those residing within Navajo County and the expansive territories of the Navajo Nation, are implored to remain exceptionally alert. They are asked to carefully observe their surroundings and to promptly report any sightings or details that could potentially relate to Maleeka Boone. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the public is often key in resolving missing persons cases, especially those involving vulnerable individuals like young children. The collective effort can bridge gaps in information and accelerate the search timeline, reinforcing the hope for her swift and safe return.
About the Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation, an expansive Indigenous territory primarily located in Arizona, with portions extending into Utah and New Mexico, encompasses a vast and diverse landscape. It is the largest land area retained by a Native American tribe in the United States, characterized by varied terrain ranging from deserts to mountains. The communities within the Navajo Nation are spread out, and many areas are rural, underscoring the importance of community-wide alerts like the Turquoise Alert in mobilizing resources and eyes on the ground across this significant geographic region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a Turquoise Alert?
- The Turquoise Alert system is a specialized statewide initiative in Arizona, strategically developed to facilitate the search and safe recovery of missing Indigenous persons.
- Who is Maleeka “Mollie” Boone?
- Maleeka “Mollie” Boone is an 8-year-old Native American female who was reported missing from the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona.
- When was Maleeka Boone last seen?
- Maleeka Boone has not been seen or heard from since the night of January 15.
- Where was Maleeka Boone last seen?
- Maleeka Boone was last seen in Coalmine, Arizona, a community situated within the expansive Navajo Nation territory.
- What was Maleeka Boone wearing when she was last seen?
- When she was last seen, Maleeka was wearing an AZ RED JACKET and BLUE JEANS, and she has COWBOY FRENCH BRAIDS.
- Which police department should be contacted with information?
- Any individual possessing information should directly communicate it to the Navajo Police Department.
Key Features of the Turquoise Alert for Maleeka Boone
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Maleeka “Mollie” Boone | State-level |
| Age | 8 years old | State-level |
| Ethnicity | Native American female | State-level |
| Last Seen Date | Night of January 15 | State-level |
| Last Seen Location | Coalmine, Arizona (Navajo Nation) | State-level |
| Clothing | AZ RED JACKET, BLUE JEANS | State-level |
| Hair Style | COWBOY FRENCH BRAIDS | State-level |
| Alert Type | Turquoise Alert (for missing Indigenous persons) | State-level |
| Alert Issued On | Friday morning | State-level |
| Alert Coverage Area | Navajo County, Arizona | State-level |
| Contact For Information | Navajo Police Department | State-level |
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