Bodycam Footage Shows Alyssa Smith Spoke To Police Before Vanishing

New information from investigators shows that Alyssa Smith spoke to police shortly before she vanished. The missing Illinois resident was just twenty-four years old when her trip to Chicago ended in tragedy on September 30. She left home with her boyfriend, Jacob Ray Caso, but never returned. Detectives now confirm that Chicago officers contacted both Smith and Caso on September 28. That interaction happened two full days before she disappeared into the Windy City.

Bodycam footage released by police shows a specific moment in time. The video captures Smith wearing an acid-wash casual T-shirt as she talks to officials around three pm. Palatine Police spokesperson Dave Brandwein explained that detectives learned about this contact early in the case. During that brief meeting, Smith worked at a Chipotle Mexican Grill and chose not to share her personal details. She also declined any police services offered by the responding officers. The couple left without explanation after the conversation ended.

Smith disappeared from the city while allegedly getting into a dark-colored Honda with two unidentified individuals. Her boyfriend told investigators he last saw her climbing into that vehicle before they parted ways in Chicago. Caso returned to their home in Palatine on October 1 after spending days searching for his girlfriend of twenty months. He has been posting frequently on Facebook since then, hoping someone will help locate her. His aunt filed the missing person report three days after she went silent with no news from the family.

Rebecca Smith could not reach her daughter before authorities stepped in. She told NBC Chicago that Alyssa was staying at a recovery house right before leaving for this trip. Her phone was broken, which meant she had no way to contact anyone back home. Rebecca fears her daughter might be in an area where she can be trafficked. When Caso returned, he brought only some belongings with him. He carried a baby blanket and the special rabbit Alyssa always kept close to her chest. Her clothes were notably missing from that bag.

The police have not identified Caso as a suspect or accused him of any wrongdoing. They also did not reveal exactly how the couple separated during their time in Chicago. Investigators received reports of possible sightings but have not confirmed if those people saw Alyssa. One video allegedly showed her dancing with a man and kissing him on the cheeks. Smith stands approximately five feet five inches tall with brown hair. The family simply wants to know that she is alive and safe.

Chicago police are asking the public for leads on where Smith is hiding. Detectives from the Palatine force want anyone who has seen her to come forward immediately. Last time she was spotted, she wore a gray hooded sweatshirt paired with light khaki-colored pants and white Adidas sneakers. That outfit matches a TikTok video posted by a user named yeniherfree back on October 3. The clip shows a girl dancing with a man and kissing him on the cheeks. Caso believes that woman could be Smith's girlfriend. He promised to help reunite her with her family if investigators can locate them.

'There is a woman missing in Chicago and if we could help find her, that would be the best outcome,' he said online. 'We need help finding that girl. I got you, baby. I'm going to find you again to reunite you with your family.'

So far, investigators have received multiple reports about possible sightings of Smith. One claim came on October 3 near Grant Park, just off Cicero Avenue and Roosevelt Road in Chicago. Another report arrived on October 5 from a community outreach worker. Police did not confirm if either person seen was actually Smith. They noted that these unconfirmed appearances usually happen between 1 p.m. and midnight. The activity often takes place in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, specifically around Cicero Street and 5th Avenue.

Smith stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She has piercings on her nose, septum, and eyebrow. Her body is covered in many tattoos. One notable mark is a Pennywise clown design on her left shoulder. Authorities say the public should not hesitate to call Palatine police detectives if they have any information about Smith's current location. Every tip could bring her home safely.