Update: Missing Catawba County Girl Found Safe

UPDATE: Emily Dowdle, the missing 11-year-old from Catawba County, has been found safe, according to the FBI.  A Facebook page dedicated to finding the missing girl claims Dowdle was located in a wooded area near her home.  This is a developing  story.  Check back for updates.

UPDATE: Watch the press conference with Catawba Police Chief Duane Cozzen.

According to Chief Cozzen, Emily Dowdle is now considered a runaway or missing juvenile and no foul play is suspected.

Reports say Emily has missed eight or nine days of school, but her parents only found out about the absences Monday.

Her father dropped her off at school on Tuesday.  Her parents believe she knew she was in trouble, and they suspect she ran away from home after getting off the bus Tuesday afternoon at 2:40 p.m..

Police believe she stayed at home on the days she was absent from school.

Investigators are in the process of speaking with her classmates and two dog-aided searches have been conducted in her neighborhood and surrounding area.

Police will be holding an investigative road block form 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Hudson Chapel Road.

Emily Jaide Dowdle is missing from Catawba County, North Carolina and was last seen on Tuesday September 27th.

Emily is 11 years old and was born on February 24th 2005. She’s 5 feet tall and 75 pounds with hazel eyes, and light brown hair. Emily wears glasses and was last seen getting off of her school bus. Since then, no one has seen her nor has heard from her.

If you have any information please contact Catawba Police Department at (828)-241-4888. Or the Cue Center for Missing Persons, which is a 24 hour tip line at (910)-232-1687.