Missing girl walking home when found

GAINESVILLE - A 12-year-old girl, who was found unharmed Tuesday night after disappearing after leaving a ballet rehearsal at Brenau University, was located two-and-a-half miles away on Dawsonville Highway.

Lt. Carol Martin of the Gainesville Police Department said Wednesday morning the youngster was upset about something and decided to walk home... to Forsyth County. Martin says a "missing child" alert was sounded and someone at Lanier Diner on Dawsonville Highway spotted her and called police.

Brenau officials say the girl left a rehearsal at the Gainesville School of Ballet, which rents studio space at the Brenau University Fitness center on campus.

Brenau spokesman David Morrison said Tuesday night as soon as it was learned that the girl had not returned to class "in a timely fashion," a search was launched for her which included Gainesville police and fire units, Brenau security and other personnel.