CANFIELD — A dual investigation is ongoing between the Canfield and New Castle, Pa., police departments regarding an Ohio woman who was at first reported missing.

The investigation began about 8 p.m. Wednesday after a family contacted Canfield police about a 19-year-old daughter they said was missing, said Sgt. Josh Wells. The identity of the woman and her family were not released by city police.

The case was handled with urgency because the woman has developmental delays, Wells said.

But it does not appear that the woman left Canfield against her will, he said.

“There was no abduction,” he said.

There is, however, an allegation of assault in New Castle, Wells said.

Canfield police are looking into how the woman left town, he explained, while New Castle is handling the assault allegation.

No charges have been filed.

Family members told investigators the 19-year-old didn’t respond to calls or texts, which is unusual, after she missed a meeting with her sister at the Canfield library branch.

Wells said leaving unannounced doesn’t seem like the woman’s typical behavior, which prompted the family to contact law enforcement.

Using an app to locate the woman’s phone, it was determined by the family that she went to New Castle.

Wells said that’s when the family contacted law enforcement, explaining to police that there wasn’t a known reason why she would go to Pennsylvania.

Officers began interviewing family and friends, trying to identify people who had recent contact with the young woman.

“Ultimately, we made contact with her over the phone” around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Wells said.

The woman was able to identify where she was, at which point Wells said New Castle police were alerted.

afox@tribtoday.com