Ja’Dore Wilson, who had been missing since September 17, was confirmed by police on Saturday as having been “located alive and well”, days after the search was joined by hundreds combing the island to find her.

The news brought an end to a search that included the use of drones in an effort to locate the 15-year-old, who had not been seen for 31 days.

Detective Inspector Kenten Trott, of the vulnerable persons unit, said that police “had cause to enter a residence in Pembroke where she was located”, based on information received by the public alongside a police investigation.

Mr Trott added that there was one person in custody at present, with an investigation continuing.

He declined to give details, including the age or gender of the person being held, but said police would “update as needed”.

He would not reveal whether the house where Ja’Dore was found had been searched before.

“Those particular details will not be released at this time; however, it was part of our ongoing investigation,” he said.

Although a substantial reward was offered for assistance leading to the recovery of Ja’Dore, Mr Trott said: “Just so we are clear, reward money had nothing to do with us finding her.

“This was based on information completely separate from that. We appreciate those who put up the financial reward, but this was due to the public coming forward directly. This was also due to the police doing our investigations. As I said before, we didn’t stop investigating this from the day it happened.”

Mr Trott said that any dealing with funds donated to the cause rested with the agencies responsible, including Crime Stoppers, but emphasised that those were matters were outside the hands of police.

“Police do not provide any oversight to those entities,” he said.

He declined to reveal where in Pembroke Ja’Dore had been discovered, or whether she was believed to have been held against her will.

Mr Trott commended the turnout and support for the search.

He said: “People gave up time and effort to search for Ja’Dore, and also there were some who supported financially. For me, this showed the true spirit of community in Bermuda.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, who joined Mr Trott at the police press conference, said: “When I received the news that Ja’Dore Wilson had been found safe and sound, I was elated.”

He added: “One thing I notice in our community is when we need to come together to look out for each other, we do.”

He thanked everyone who pitched in searching.

Mr Weeks said Ja’Dore was back with her family and called on the community to respect their privacy.

“As Inspector Trott said, someone is assisting police with their inquiries,” he said.

Mr Trott emphasised that it was too early in the investigation to provide further details on the circumstances of the missing girl’s discovery.

He said her family were “elated and full of joy”.

Asked if a court appearance could be anticipated in connection with the matter, Mr Trott reiterated that the investigation was in its early stages.

The recovery of the CedarBridge Academy student came just over one month after she was last confirmed seen at her home in North Terrace, Pembroke.

It follows extensive search efforts by the community as well as police.

Mr Trott highlighted that the Bermuda Police Service were in possession of dogs capable of tracking missing persons, and that the need for a cadaver-searching dog had not been contemplated in this matter.

“I always felt, in my heart of hearts, and I knew, as a result of our investigation, that Ja’Dore was alive,” he said.

He explained that police in Bermuda were already equipped with dogs that have “search capabilities”.

Mr Trott added: “I know that, every day, I was praying for Ja’Dore.”

He said the successful recovery of Ja’Dore was something that “hopefully brings our community together even more”.

Wayne Caines, the Belco president who helped organise wider searches last week, shared the group’s relief, and thanked Mr Trott and the police vulnerable persons unit for “their professionalism and dedication”.

He also showed his appreciation for volunteers who “came together in an inspiring show of unity”, including building a website dedicated to the search, manning drones, knocking on doors and distributing flyers — and Crime Stoppers for its “unwavering support”.

He added: “We are especially grateful to the anonymous businessman whose generous contribution of $25,000 to Crime Stoppers helped support this collective effort.”

Mr Caines said: “As Ja’Dore and her family begin to move forward, we encourage everyone to continue offering them support, understanding and privacy.”

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