airfield County Launches Urgent Search for Missing Teen Misty Mercado
Sheriff’s Office Calls for Public Help
Missing person in Ohio. The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office is urgently asking for the public’s assistance to locate 15-year-old Misty Mercado, who disappeared Thursday morning.
Authorities are expanding the search and urging everyone in the Canal Winchester area to remain alert.
Misty was last seen on October 30, 2025, around 7:50 a.m., shortly after she stepped off a school bus. Witnesses say she left the school property on foot, walking west on Franklin Street with two other girls.
Misty Mercado: Description of Missing Teen
Misty is a white female, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighs about 200 pounds. She has brown hair tied in a ponytail and green eyes, and she wears glasses.
At the time she went missing, Misty wore a black jacket, blue jeans, and white shoes. She was also carrying a brown and maroon bookbag.
Police believe she may still be in the Fairfield County or Canal Winchester area.
Last Known Movements
According to investigators, Misty got off her school bus that morning as usual but did not enter the building. Instead, she left the school grounds with two unidentified female students.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the girls were classmates or friends.
Detective Kathryn Nunemaker is leading the case and said officers are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses.
She emphasized that even minor details — like spotting a group of teens walking together — could help.
Family Pleads for Answers
Misty’s family is devastated and desperate for information. Her mother said through local media,
“Misty, we love you and just want you home. Please reach out if you see this. Everyone is worried.”
Family members have been distributing flyers and posting her photo across social media. Neighbors have joined in, checking yards, parks, and stores for any sign of her.
The Investigation Continues
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has mobilized multiple units to track her movements. Officers have visited homes, checked security cameras, and followed digital leads.
Authorities have also contacted schools in nearby towns to share her description. Detectives are asking anyone who might have seen Misty walking that morning to call immediately.
“We’re following every possible lead,” Detective Nunemaker said. “Our goal is simple — to bring Misty home safely.”
Community Response and Awareness
The Canal Winchester community has rallied quickly. Local businesses have displayed her missing poster, and residents are organizing small volunteer groups to distribute information door-to-door.
Social media users are sharing her photo with hashtags like #FindMistyMercado and #BringMistyHome. Officers stress that awareness can make a crucial difference in these cases.
How to Help
Anyone with information on Misty Mercado’s location should contact Detective Kathryn Nunemaker (FC403) at 740-652-7339 or call the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office directly.
If you see Misty, call 911 immediately.
Every second counts.
Each call, sighting, or share could help bring 15-year-old Misty Mercado home to safety.
