The New York Police Department issued an urgent public appeal on Tuesday morning. A young Bronx girl found alone late Monday night remains unidentified by local authorities. Officers discovered the child wandering without an adult guardian in the Fordham Manor section of the borough. The situation has prompted a significant response from law enforcement and social services. Police are currently working with community members to determine her identity and locate her family. This case highlights the vital role of public vigilance in maintaining city safety. The department is treating the matter with high priority to ensure the child’s well-being.
Details of the Discovery in Fordham Manor
The discovery occurred at approximately 10:23 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. Patrol officers spotted the young girl in front of 36 West Fordham Road. This specific location is a busy commercial and residential area within the Bronx. Despite the late hour and cold February temperatures, the girl was alone on the sidewalk. Pedestrians in the immediate vicinity did not recognize the child from the neighborhood. Consequently, the responding officers took her into protective custody for her safety.
The girl was unable to provide investigators with her name or her home address. She appeared confused but was cooperative with the officers at the scene. Fordham Manor is a densely populated neighborhood with many families and apartment buildings. Therefore, police initially hoped someone nearby would recognize her immediately. However, no parents or guardians came forward during the initial search of the area. The lack of immediate identification led the NYPD to expand their search efforts across the entire borough.
Medical Evaluation and Physical Description
Following her recovery, the girl was transported to a nearby medical facility for a checkup. She is currently staying at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx. Medical professionals evaluated her health and reported that she is in stable condition. They are providing her with food, warmth, and a safe place to rest. The hospital staff is working closely with the police to keep the child comfortable during this transition. Her physical health is a top priority for the city while the legal investigation proceeds.
Police describe the girl as being between 10 and 13 years old. This estimated age range is a critical component of the identification process. She was dressed in clothing suitable for the winter season in New York. However, she did not have any identification documents or personal items with her at the time. There were no reports of school bags or toys found in the immediate area. This missing information has made it difficult for detectives to narrow down her school district or specific block. The department has released her description to all local precincts and transit hubs.
Ongoing Investigation by the NYPD
The Bronx girl found alone is now the subject of a broad investigation by the 52nd Precinct. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from businesses along West Fordham Road. They want to see how the girl arrived at the location where she was found. This includes checking footage from nearby bus stops and subway entrances. Video evidence often provides the best clues in cases involving missing or found children. Additionally, officers are canvassing the neighborhood to speak with local shop owners and residents.
The department is also cross-referencing all recent missing persons reports in New York City. They are looking for any report that matches her age and physical description. So far, no active missing persons cases appear to align with this specific discovery. This suggests that her family may not yet realize she is missing or is unable to report it. Furthermore, the police are checking with local schools to see if any students were absent without explanation. Coordination between the NYPD and the Department of Education is an essential part of the search.
Community Safety and Missing Persons Protocol
Finding a child alone in a major metropolitan area is a serious concern for city officials. It often signals a potential breakdown in care or a sudden family emergency. The NYPD utilizes a specific set of protocols for found children to ensure their safety. This includes immediate medical screening and the involvement of the Administration for Children’s Services. These agencies work together to find a temporary placement if a family is not located quickly. The primary goal is always to reunite the child with a verified and safe guardian.
The Bronx community has a history of supporting local law enforcement in these situations. Social media has become a powerful tool for spreading information about found individuals. Many residents have already shared the police notification across various online platforms. This digital reach helps get the child’s description in front of people who may live outside the immediate area. Publicity is often the most effective way to solve these types of cases. The NYPD encourages everyone to remain alert and report any suspicious or concerning situations involving minors.
How the Public Can Assist Investigators
The authorities are asking for the public’s help to solve this mystery. If you recognize the description of this Bronx girl found alone, please contact the police. Even a small piece of information could lead to her identity. You might recognize her from a local park, a school, or a neighborhood store. Information about her parents or guardians is also critically needed at this time. The NYPD is standing by to take any calls related to the girl’s background or home life.
Individuals with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. For Spanish speakers, the number is 1-888-57-PISTA. All calls can be made anonymously to protect the identity of the tipster. Additionally, tips can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website or via text message. The 52nd Precinct is the lead agency for this specific investigation. Every lead will be thoroughly vetted by the detectives on the case. The city remains hopeful that this young girl will be safely identified and reunited with her family soon.
