Indigenous teen still missing, may be in Soap Lake or Winchester area

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the disappearance of 16-year-old Kioni Oman and requested a Missing Indigenous Person Alert through the Washington State Patrol Tuesday.  

According to sheriff’s officials, Oman was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Sept. 17 near State Route 283 North outside Ephrata. Investigators believe she may be in the Soap Lake or Winchester area. 

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said Oman is a member of the Tulalip Tribes, prompting the agency to seek the statewide alert. 

Oman is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing about 125 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The clothing she was wearing when she disappeared is unknown. 

Authorities said family members believe she left voluntarily and may be with adults who do not have legal custody of her. 

“Parents believe she is a runaway and that she may be in the company of non-custodial adults who may not be serving in Kioni’s best interest,” Foreman said. 

Anyone who sees Oman is asked to call 911 and reference case number 26GS11456. Anyone with information about her whereabouts can contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 509-762-1160.