Gastonia police are asking for the public’s help in finding a 16-year-old girl who vanished while waiting to be taken to a group home earlier this month.
Jada Bryant was last seen on June 18, 2026, leaving a hospital on Cox Road in Gastonia, North Carolina. She had been waiting there for transport back to her group home when she left the building on her own. She is described as:
- 5 feet 5 inches tall
- 120 pounds
- Black female with black hair and brown eyes
- Wearing hospital pajamas and socks at the time she disappeared
What surveillance video shows
According to posts shared by Missing People In America, security footage captured Jada stopping cars in the area after she left the building.
The same video reportedly shows a grey sedan that appeared to react with alarm before following her out of the camera’s view. It is not clear from available information whether the driver of that vehicle has been identified or interviewed by investigators.
Police believe Jada may be heading toward, or may already be in, the Charlotte area, which sits roughly 25 miles east of Gastonia.
Why is this case raising concern?
Because Jada left in hospital clothing rather than her own belongings, and because the circumstances involve a vehicle reportedly following her, advocates sharing her case online are describing the situation as urgent. Missing People In America, which says it verifies and posts only official missing person cases for its national database, added Jada’s file to its records and is asking followers to share her information widely under the hashtag #FindJadaBryant.
The Gastonia Police Department has also posted its own appeal, asking anyone who has seen Jada or has information about where she might be to come forward immediately.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Gastonia Police Department front desk: 704-866-6702, and ask for Detective D. Whitlock
No update on Jada’s status has been made public. Community members are encouraged to share her photo and description, particularly with contacts in the greater Charlotte area, and to report any sightings directly to police rather than approaching her themselves.