La Mesa, January 31, 2026
Authorities in La Mesa have issued an Ebony Alert for Tiffani Russ, a 24-year-old woman who was last seen after leaving a local hotel. She was heading to a taco shop but never arrived. Russ is described as a Black female, approximately 5’4″ tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Efforts to locate her have been unsuccessful, prompting authorities to seek the public’s assistance.
La Mesa, CA – Ebony Alert Issued for Missing Woman
Authorities have issued an Ebony Alert for 24-year-old Tiffani Russ, who was last seen leaving her room at the Heritage Inn in La Mesa shortly after midnight on Thursday, January 29, 2026. She was reportedly headed to a nearby taco shop but never arrived. An acquaintance at the hotel reported her missing to police shortly thereafter.
Russ is described as a Black female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a blue head scarf, a black Puma sweater, black pants, and red sandals. She is believed to be traveling on foot.
The La Mesa Police Department has been in contact with Russ’s family and has been searching for her without success. There is no apparent reason for her to have voluntarily gone missing, nor does she have a history of doing so.
Anyone who has seen Russ or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call 911.
Understanding Ebony Alerts
Ebony Alerts are a resource available to law enforcement agencies investigating the suspicious or unexplainable disappearance of Black individuals. The alert system aims to provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of missing Black persons. To activate an Ebony Alert, certain criteria must be met, including the missing person being between 12 to 25 years old and the disappearance occurring under unexplained or suspicious circumstances. The California Highway Patrol issues these alerts on behalf of local law enforcement agencies.
Recent Ebony Alerts in California
In the past month, several Ebony Alerts have been issued in California. Notably, a 14-year-old girl was reported missing in French Valley, prompting an alert in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Additionally, a 16-year-old girl was reported missing in Mesa, Arizona, leading to the issuance of a Turquoise Alert, a similar system for missing persons under 65 in Arizona.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities continue to seek the public’s help in locating missing individuals. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Tiffani Russ or any other missing persons, please contact local law enforcement or call 911 immediately.
FAQ
What is an Ebony Alert?
An Ebony Alert is a resource available to law enforcement agencies investigating the suspicious or unexplainable disappearance of Black individuals. The alert system aims to provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of missing Black persons. To activate an Ebony Alert, certain criteria must be met, including the missing person being between 12 to 25 years old and the disappearance occurring under unexplained or suspicious circumstances. The California Highway Patrol issues these alerts on behalf of local law enforcement agencies.
What should I do if I have information about a missing person?
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of a missing person, please contact local law enforcement or call 911 immediately. Your assistance can be crucial in ensuring the safe return of missing individuals.
Key Features of Ebony Alerts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 12 to 25 years old |
| Criteria for Activation | Missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances |
| Issuing Agency | California Highway Patrol on behalf of local law enforcement |
| Purpose | To provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of missing Black persons |
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