Laceigh Denise Gatson Missing – Local law enforcement and the community are urgently seeking 14-year-old Laceigh Denise Gatson, who was reported missing from Virginia Beach earlier this week. Her sudden disappearance has left family, friends, and neighbors deeply concerned for her safety, prompting an intensive search effort across the city and surrounding areas.
Authorities confirm that Laceigh was last seen on January 7, 2026, in Virginia Beach. She is described as a young teenager with a nose piercing, wearing black-framed glasses at the time she was last seen. Law enforcement has entered her information into both state and national missing person databases as they coordinate a wide-reaching search.
The alert was raised when Laceigh’s family realized she had not returned home or contacted anyone after her last known sighting. They promptly filed a missing person report with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Following standard protocol for missing juveniles, authorities immediately began canvassing the area where she was last observed, reviewing available surveillance footage, and interviewing friends, classmates, and acquaintances to trace her movements.
Police emphasize that in missing child cases, time is critical. Even seemingly minor details can be vital in locating the individual. Officers are asking residents and commuters across Virginia Beach and the broader Hampton Roads area to check doorbell cameras, personal and business surveillance systems, and vehicle dashcams for any activity that could help locate Laceigh or provide leads related to her disappearance.
A spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Police Department stated, “We are doing everything we can to find Laceigh and bring her home safely. This is a community effort, and we encourage anyone with information—even if it seems insignificant—to contact law enforcement immediately.”
Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying public awareness. Numerous posts sharing Laceigh’s description have circulated across local community pages, urging residents to remain vigilant. Community members have also organized volunteer search efforts, distributing flyers, coordinating local outreach, and assisting authorities in raising awareness.
While officials have not released further details regarding the circumstances of Laceigh’s disappearance—including whether foul play is suspected or if she may have left on her own—they stress that every missing child case warrants immediate and thorough attention. Organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and state clearinghouses are assisting in disseminating alerts to law enforcement agencies and the public, ensuring the widest possible coverage of her case.
Community leaders have voiced support for the Gatson family, highlighting the importance of vigilance, compassion, and collective action. One local resident shared, “No family should have to live with this kind of uncertainty. We’re praying for Laceigh’s safe return and will do whatever it takes to help find her.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about Laceigh’s whereabouts to contact the Virginia Beach Police Department immediately at their non-emergency line or the dedicated missing persons unit. In urgent situations, residents should dial 911.
As the search for Laceigh continues, both law enforcement and the community remain hopeful that increased awareness, cooperation, and swift action will lead to her safe and timely recovery.