Missing L.A. Girl Found Safe

Girl Had Been Missing Since Sunday

LOS ANGELES -- A missing child was found safe Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles.

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Police say 4-year-old Jessica Cortez, who had been missing since Sunday night, was found at a medical clinic.

Jessica walked into the Saint John's Well Child Clinic in the Exposition Park area of Los Angeles. She was dirty and her hair had been cut short and jagged, according to police.

Jessica arrived at the clinic with a woman who asked clinic workers to examine her child.

The workers recognized Jessica from her photos and immediately called 911.

Clinic workers asked Jessica if the woman was her mother and she said, "No," according to police.

Jim Mangia of St. John's Well Child Center said the woman who brought the girl into the clinic was very well dressed and that she was probably in her late 30s or early 40s and had long, reddish hair.

Jessica was taken to Childrens Hospital for evaluation and the woman has been taken into custody, according to LAPD Officer Jack Richter.

Crowds began to gather after hearing news that the girl was found.

"Jessica, Jessica," the crowd chanted as news spread through the community.

"I'm very relieved," Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn said as he arrived at the park. "This turned out to be a great day and our prayers were answered."

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