Search underway after woman last seen near North Park and St. George
The Brantford Police Service is asking the public for assistance locating Yewehnitahawi ‘Tia’, a 21‑year‑old woman who was last seen in the city on Sept. 19. Police say she was observed at around 11:45 a.m. in the area of North Park Street and St. George Street.
Officers provided a detailed description to help residents identify her. She is described as an Indigenous woman, approximately 5‑foot‑6, weighing about 160 pounds, with long, black, curly hair. At the time she was last seen, her hair was pulled back in a bun. She was wearing black flip‑flop sandals with black socks, blue jogging pants and a blue hooded sweatshirt. Investigators also noted she had a cast on her right arm and was wearing a black sling.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Yewehnitahawi ‘Tia’ |
| Age | 21 |
| Last seen | Sept. 19, ~11:45 a.m. — North Park St. & St. George St. |
| Physical description | 5'6", 160 lb, long black curly hair (in a bun), cast on right arm with black sling |
| Clothing | Black flip‑flops, black socks, blue jogging pants, blue hooded sweatshirt |
Police appeal and ways to submit tips
Investigators say the woman has ties to London, Ont., and are urging anyone who may have seen her, who knows of her whereabouts, or who has information relevant to contact Brantford police immediately.
"Anyone with information on Tia’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 519‑756‑7050 and reference incident #26‑38905."
People who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 519‑750‑8477 or 1‑800‑222‑8477, or submit web tips through the Crime Stoppers website. Police did not release further details about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
What residents can do
Missing‑person cases often rely on neighbourhood observations and small details. Brantford residents are asked to consider the following:
- Check personal security cameras, Ring or other doorbell footage, and vehicle dashcams for the North Park / St. George area around the morning of Sept. 19.
- Look for anyone matching the description wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jogging pants or carrying a cast and sling on the right arm.
- Contact police immediately if you believe you see her or have information; in non‑emergencies call the Brantford Police Service number provided.
Community impact and context
Brantford sits at the intersection of urban and rural patterns across southwestern Ontario, where missing‑person investigations can stretch across municipal boundaries. The police note that the woman has links to London, underscoring the importance of co‑operation between neighbouring jurisdictions when tracing movements and contacts.
For friends and family, public appeals can be distressing but are a necessary step in mobilizing the community. Prompt reporting improves the chances of locating someone quickly. Brantford police emphasised the importance of not waiting to call: small sightings or seemingly minor details can be crucial.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519‑756‑7050, quoting incident number 26‑38905. Anonymous tips may be given through Crime Stoppers at 519‑750‑8477 or 1‑800‑222‑8477, or submitted online.
