Missing FiDi Girl, 17, Found Safe and Well on Lower East Side

Sophie Barker was found in a library in the Lower East Side. Photo by Saida Barker.

Sophie Barker, a mentally disabled teenager, was discovered healthy and safe late Friday afternoon following her disappearance early Thursday morning from the home of her father located in the Financial District, her mother, Saida Barker, confirmed. Police found the girl at Seward Park Library. Seward Park Library on East Broadway.

“The community showed immense support and flooded downtown with flyers, and people canvassing the streets,” Barker wrote to the Trib via text. “There were several chats from downtown dedicated to mobilize people and thanks to them and the NYPD we were able to find her.”

Barker said the security guard in the library “the real breakthrough since he called it in after seeing the [all points bulletin].” First Precinct detectives “immediately rushed to the location,” she said, “subsequently calling Sophie’s stepdad and then FaceTiming him to verify it was her.” Seventh Precinct officers supported EMS staff who helped lead Sophie onto an ambulance explained.

Sophie was last seen on Thursday morning about eleven a.m. on William and Wall Street after leaving her father’s home without her phone in order to grab coffee. The family was concerned that she could be confused after missing the dose of medication and may be experiencing an “medical emergency,” her mother said to the Trib. Libraries were believed to be one of her top spots, a close family friend told the Trib.