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The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old girl from Keithville, Louisiana, stated Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr.  

Merlin Chirinos Argueta was reported missing on May 7, 2026, from the 6200 block of Bain Boulevard. 

Authorities suspect that Merlin may be with an 18-year-old named Daniel Osan Vasquez Mejia. A white Chevrolet Tahoe with Texas license plate VML 6061 was reportedly seen in the area around the time she disappeared. 

Merlin has not been in contact with her family, which has raised concerns for her safety and well-being. She is 5'4" tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds.

This investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone with information about Merlin's whereabouts is urged to contact the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office at (318) 675-2170 or call 911.

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***UPDATE***

The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office is providing an update regarding the missing 13-year-old juvenile, Merlin Argueta, who was reported missing from Keithville on May 7, 2026.

Following the initial investigation, detectives developed information regarding possible locations connected to the missing juvenile. Based on the information gathered, Detective Christopher Ardoin requested an Amber Alert through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after the Amber Alert was issued, investigators received tips that led authorities to the vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction. Officers with the Allen Police Department responded and made contact with Arlin Hernandez Dubon. During the investigation, Dubon confirmed he drove Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia to the residence where the juvenile was taken without parental consent.

Dubon later provided investigators with a location where the juvenile and Vasquez Mejia could be found. Allen Police officers followed up on the information and successfully located both individuals.

Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia was detained and arrested by the Collin County Sheriff's Office on a charge of harboring a runaway.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, Detective Ardoin obtained a warrant for Simple Kidnapping under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:45. The warrant was signed by Judge Don Hathaway on May 8, 2026.

The juvenile is safe and currently in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services while arrangements are made for her return to her parents.

The investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional criminal offenses occurred during the time the juvenile was missing.

Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. would like to express his gratitude to the Allen Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and all agencies involved for their swift response and collaboration, which resulted in the safe recovery of the juvenile. Special thanks also go to Detective Ardoin and Sgt. Jared Marshall from our investigation division for their dedicated work throughout this case. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Breck Scott