LCSO searching for missing endangered woman

Writer: Tim Belizaire
Published: Updated:
Missing 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲𝘀 Facebook
Credit: LCSO

Lee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for information that might help them find a missing person.

The missing person has been identified 21-year-old Arielle Reis Coutinho Valdes.

Valdes is a Hispanic female, standing 5 feet, 4 inches tall. Valdes has brown hair and brown eyes.

The Florida Department of Transportation released footage of Valdes running southbound towards the Edison Bridge after 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

Valdes was also seen running southbound on U.S. 41 from Pondella Road in North Fort Myers at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to authorities, Valdes left her residence on Wednesday on foot at approximately 6:30 p.m. for a run.

Detectives said she was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie sweater, gym shorts, and what appears to be black and white high-top Converse-style sneakers.

Detectives reviewed footage, which led them back to the Edison Bridge toward the downtown area.

LCSO have also deployed drones in the sky and bloodhounds on the ground.

They are also in communication with the family.

Detectives are seeking information from anyone who was traveling the area during the aforementioned timeframes.

At this juncture, there is no information that shows there is foul play involved. However, this is still a very active and ongoing investigation. 

If you have any information on Valdes’s whereabouts please contact LCSO at 239-477-1000.

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