Police Searching For Missing Family In Colorado That Left One Child Behind

KEY POINTS

Police are still searching for a Colorado family that was last seen on March 31
The parents took their 2-year-old child but, left their 5-year-old daughter alone at home
Authorities reportedly found marijuana plants at the family's home

Authorities in Thornton, Colorado are searching for a family last seen on Monday, March 31. The circumstances surrounding the family's disappearance are rather strange, especially considering that the parents only took their toddler daughter but, left their 5-year-old alone at home.

The family was last seen on Monday morning when they left in a gray 2008 Toyota Highlander with Colorado plates 231-REZ. So far, it looks like the family left on their own as neighbors reported that 48-year-old Zaiqiao Feng, 40-year-old Liu Nei Li, and 2-year-old Anny Li appeared to be leaving in a hurry with a duffel bag in the car.

TPD investigating reported missing family, unknown circumstances surrounding their disappearance. Last seen at their residence, 4056 E. 130th Way, on the morning of 03-30-20, Seeking assistance in locating the family, vehicle, or information as to the status of their welfare. pic.twitter.com/hGZ3tliwzB
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) April 2, 2020

As for the 5-year-old daughter, she reportedly told the police that her parents left her alone in the house after telling her that they were just going to get groceries but they never returned. Fortunately, a relative who was living just across the street saw her abandoned in the yard at around 9 p.m. that same day and took her in.

"If she would have remained in the home overnight or for days without anyone finding her – it's concerning," Thornton Police Department Officer Matt Barnes said, according to KDVR.

Interestingly, on Wednesday night, authorities executed a search warrant of the family’s home, where they reportedly found a substantial illegal marijuana growing operation. According to the neighbors, agents were pulling dozens of plants onto the driveway of the family home.

So far, the reason why the family left remains a mystery and even relatives are not sure why the couple left the 5-year-old alone. For now, she is staying with family members.

"That's why it's so perplexing. We don't know, are they still local? Are they injured? Are they hurt? Did something bad happen to them - or did they just leave the state? We don't know," Barnes said.

On Thursday, authorities announced that Anny has a serious condition that requires frequent medication and regular doctor visits but, given the situation, they are uncertain whether those medical needs are being met.

Anyone with any information on the location of the family or their vehicle is urged to contact authorities at (720) 977-5150.