The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a purple alert for a missing woman Monday at the request of the University Police Department.
Jasmine Welman, 24, was last seen near UF Health Shands Hospital Monday, according to the purple alert issued by FDLE. Information about whether she was a patient or why she went missing near the hospital is still unknown, UPD Capt. Latrell Simmons said.
“We’re currently trying to gather as much information as we can about Ms. Welman in an effort to locate her,” Simmons said.
Despite her recent whereabouts in Gainesville, Florida, Welman may potentially have connections to the Kentucky area, Simmons said. Her ties to both regions are currently being investigated, he said.
Individuals who locate Welman are encouraged to not approach her, an FDLE release said. Instead, community members should immediately contact law enforcement — residents can reach UPD at 352-392-1111 or call 911.
The Florida Purple Alert exists to help locate missing adults who suffer from certain physical, emotional, intellectual, developmental or other listed disabilities, injuries, or disorders, according to the FDLE website.
UPD aims to keep residents informed on the status of this situation through various social media platforms, Simmons said. People can monitor developments on UF Public Safety’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
“We hope that we can find her soon,” Simmons said. “Issuing another bulletin, indicating that she's been located, is our ultimate goal.”
This is a breaking story. Check back for developments.
Contact Halima at hattah@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @HalimaAttah.
Halima Attah is a first-year journalism student and university reporter for The Alligator. When she’s not writing, you can probably find her thrifting on Depop or listening to her carefully curated Spotify playlists.
