PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A 15-year-old girl who was reported missing in Portsmouth has been found safe, police say.

Niema Cassell has been reunited with her family, police said in an update Wednesday afternoon.

Police originally believed Cassell may have been abducted. They put out a missing person alert on Tuesday night after Cassell was last seen around 8 a.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of Godwin Street, between County and High streets.

Police did not release additional information in the case, but said Wednesday morning they were out searching for Cassell. 10 On Your Side has also reached out to police on why an Amber Alert was not issued in the case.

“I am very happy they found her alive, and that she’s safe,” said next-door neighbor Mya Pickens. “She’s only 15 years old.” 

That’s how Pickens reacted when she found out her neighbor, Niema Cassell, is safe, and in the arms of her family. 

“She is a very nice girl,” Pickens said. “I’m just happy they found her, that she’s alive and she’s safe, and I know her mother and family are happy as well.”  

Asked if she thought the worst was possible considering police said she may have been abducted.

“No, I always try to think about things in a positive light,” Pickens said. “I was just hoping, I don’t know what. I thought I just hoped she got home safe.” 

Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, family members had told 10 On Your Side they were at a search site, but gave no more details. 

Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins then confirmed detectives were also searching an area. He did not give any further details. 

Pickens didn’t care about that. Here’s what she cares about. 

“When they had her being abducted, I kind of was praying that was not the case,” Pickens said. “Happily, that was not the case. She is safe. She is here. That’s all that matters.”