HALL COUNTY, Ga. — More people are joining the search for a missing 12-year-old girl in Hall County.
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Concern has been growing for 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez five days after her disappearance in Hall County.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that a $20,000 reward is being offered for the safe return of Gomez-Perez.
“We hope this reward money prompts someone who knows something about Maria’s whereabouts to come forward,” said Sheriff Gerald Couch. “Our investigators and investigative partners are following every lead they get, but so far, none of those leads have led us to Maria.”
“I feel like there’s more we can do about it,” Edward Andrade told Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson.
Andrade is the president of the Ambitions Car Club in Hall County and says as a parent he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
He was part of a group of dozens of family, friends, teachers, and community members Sunday who made signs and knocked on doors near Atlanta Highway.
“About 30 of us, we walked the streets, we had flyers, we passed out flyers,” Andrade said.
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The Hall County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t released many details about what happened last Wednesday. Investigators say she was last seen at her home that day near Atlanta Highway and West Side Drive.
Deputies say there are no signs of foul play but the community still has concerns for the young girl.
“We’re just worried maybe she’s out of state, possibly now, there’s no telling,” Andrade said.
With few details and plenty of determination, Andrade says his biggest focus is finding her safe.
“We’re just trying to do our part as a club, as a community,” Andrade said. “We can’t give up.”
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