Police say investigation into disappearance of 14-year-old girl is continuing but no charges laid

Supt. Don Belanger speaks with reporters on Thursday after a missing 14-year-old girl was located safe.

Police say that the investigation into the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl who was missing for nearly two weeks is continuing but that no criminal charges have been laid.

Toronto police provided the update to CP24 on Friday afternoon, less than a day after the girl – named Esther – was located safe by officers at an Etobicoke home.

Police initially told CTV News that the investigation into the disappearance of the girl was concluded, however they now clarify that the case is still being investigated.

In a news conference after Esther was found, police had said that their investigation would continue to help determine “whether or not there is any evidence of criminality” associated with Esther’s “prolonged disappearance.”

Police also said that they were “actively” looking into who lived in the home where Esther was found.

Esther was the subject of a rare Level One search, with police deploying their mounted and marine units in the effort. Drones were also used to conduct an aerial search of Earl Bales Park.

A parallel volunteer search also took place in the North York neighbourhood where Esther was last seen on May 16, with hundreds of volunteers helping to put up posters seeking tips.