Hundreds of volunteers search for missing Herriman girl

HERRIMAN, Utah – Unified Police and volunteers conducted a large search Thursday for a missing Herriman teenager.

Brooklyn Gittins, 13, is considered endangered. More than 500 volunteers turned out Thursday morning to help UPD in the search. Volunteers gathered at the LDS wardhouse at 13680 South, 5600 West beginning at 8 a.m.

A statement posted Thursday afternoon on the Be Ready Herriman Facebook page said they were no longer requesting volunteers due to the winter storm.

Police released a new description of Brooklyn’s clothing on Thursday morning. She was wearing a gray t-shirt with a pink University of Utah logo and black pajama-style pants with a white Scottish dog design.

“The weather is obviously a factor here. It’s been cold, there is a storm that is coming. We want to know that we can get her home, and get her safe and out of the weather,” said Lt. Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Department.

Brooklyn was last seen in her bedroom wearing pajamas Tuesday night. When her family awakened Wednesday morning, Brooklyn was gone. With no sign of forced entry, police and family members believe she ran away during the night.

Her grandfather Craig Hiller pleaded, “Brooklyn, if you’re listening, please come home. We want you back, Brooklyn. We need you to come home. We’re not mad, nothing will happen.”

Hiller says there wasn’t an argument or anything specific that would have led the teen to leave and police say her disappearance is unusual.

“We’ve contacted all her friends and no one’s heard from her,” said Unified Lt. Justin Hoyal.

About 60 police officers joined dozens of volunteers searching throughout Herriman neighborhoods for the girl.

“We have the DPS helicopter and canine units canvassing the area. We’ve also had ground searches,” said Sheriff Jim Winder.

Brooklyn Gittins is 13 years old, 5 feet tall, 110 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black pajamas and a gray t-shirt with a pink U of U logo. Police said she doesn’t have shoes or her glasses.

“We’re concerned with how she was dressed as the sheriff said, and that she’s found before anything else can happen to her,” said Hiller.

If you have tips that can help find this girl, please call Unified Police at (801) 743-7280.