FREMONT, CA – The Fremont Police Department is continuing its investigation into the disappearance of 16-year-old Katie Hong, who was reported missing from her family residence on the evening of Friday, July 25, 2025. Katie, a Korean American female, is approximately 5 feet tall, 100 pounds, with brown eyes, dark brown hair, braces, and was last seen wearing a large red backpack and carrying what appeared to be a desktop computer.
Katie’s disappearance was first reported at approximately 8:55 p.m., prompting a swift and thorough response from Fremont Police. A handwritten note, believed to be authored by Katie, was left behind in her home. The note suggested that she had made the decision to run away, with the possible intention of meeting individuals she had connected with online. The note made it clear that these individuals had not revealed their real names, and there is no evidence to suggest that Katie had met them in person prior to her disappearance.
Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation confirms that Katie was seen walking alone between 6:11 p.m. and 6:21 p.m., leaving her home on Queens Park Court and heading toward Irvington Community Park, a location referenced in her note. She was later captured on video at a gas station on the corner of Blacow Road and Grimmer Boulevard, where she was observed walking southbound in the direction of the park. This is the last known sighting of Katie on surveillance video.
The Fremont Police Crimes Against Persons Unit immediately initiated an extensive investigation. Search warrants and court orders were filed to trace Katie’s digital footprint, including phone activity, social media accounts, and online gaming platforms where she was known to be active under multiple screen names. Her cell phone’s last recorded location was at Irvington Community Park, which aligns with the surveillance video timeline. Evidence indicates the phone was likely left behind at that location.
Despite exhaustive digital analysis and collaboration with federal partners, including online crimes specialists, authorities have not identified any physical contact Katie may have had with the online individuals mentioned in her note. Furthermore, no conclusive evidence has emerged indicating Katie’s current whereabouts or who she may be with. At this time, Katie is believed to be voluntarily missing, though the circumstances remain highly concerning, especially given her minor status and potential online entanglements.
In response, investigators are actively:
- Utilizing license plate readers (LPRs) across the region
- Conducting comprehensive video surveillance reviews
- Working with federal law enforcement and cybercrime units
- Collaborating closely with Katie’s family and community
- Tracking and analyzing online behavior patterns and interactions
Katie’s parents and loved ones are devastated by her disappearance and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to explore every lead. Katie is described as a bright, creative teenager who spent significant time in digital spaces and gaming communities. Since she was reported missing, no new digital activity has been confirmed to be directly associated with her.
Given the ongoing risk and her minor status, this remains an at-risk missing juvenile case. The Fremont Police Department urges the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Katie or identifying individuals she may have attempted to meet.
We ask the community to remain vigilant. If you have any information—no matter how minor it may seem—please contact the Fremont Police Department Investigations Unit:
Phone: (510) 790-6900
Text: ‘Tip FremontPD’ followed by your message to 888-777
Your cooperation could make the critical difference in bringing Katie home.
#MissingPerson #KatieHong #FremontPD #HelpFindKatie
End of Release
Issued by: Fremont Police Department
Date: July 31, 2025
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