It’s an unusual plea for help.
Two congressmen are asking the public to help find a North Carolina teenager who went missing in Maryland.
Phylicia Barnes was last seen on Dec. 28 in Baltimore. She was visiting her half-sister for the holidays.
Congressmen Elijah Cummings of Maryland and Larry Kissell of North Carolina issued a joint statement Friday.
They said their thoughts and prayers are with Barnes' family. The lawmakers also urged people to contact Baltimore police immediately if they have any information about the case.
Authorities said they've searched high and low for the girl. The FBI and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children are also involved. A hot line has been set up and her picture has been posted on fliers and highway billboards.
Police have expressed frustration with the lack of leads in the case. They fear she's the victim of foul play and may have even been abducted. Her cell phone and credit cards have not be used since she vanished.
Barnes' 17th birthday was Wednesday.
