The case of a missing teenage girl from South Carolina has taken a concerning turn as authorities suspect she may be in the company of an unknown man. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent call for public assistance in locating 16-year-old Mackenzie Dalton, who is considered an “endangered juvenile runaway” after her disappearance late last month.

In a public appeal, the sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We need your tips on the whereabouts of Mackenzie Dalton.” The search for the teenager has been ongoing since she left her Lexington home in late November.

Dalton is described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 118 pounds. She reportedly departed from her residence with a suitcase and drove off in a vehicle, which has since been found by investigators.

“The car she used to leave and the suitcase she took have been recovered,” officials reported. Authorities believe that Dalton might be traveling with a man she is acquainted with, adding urgency to the search efforts.

Authorities say Dalton, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 118 pounds, left her home with a suitcase and drove away in a vehicle that has since been located.

‘The car she drove away in and the suitcase she took from home have been recovered,’ the sheriff’s office said. ‘We think she’s traveling with a man she knows.’ 

Deputies have not disclosed where Dalton’s belongings were found or when they were recovered, but they confirmed that she remains missing and may be in danger due to her age and the length of time she has been gone.

Police have also not identified the man Dalton is believed to be with, nor have they released his age or physical description. 

Mackenzie Dalton, 16, from South Caroline remains missing weeks after leaving home, with police now fearing she may be with an unidentified man

Investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office recovered the teen’s car and suitcase, but the teenager has not been found

Investigators have not said whether foul play is suspected, or whether a specific crime has been confirmed in connection with her disappearance.

At this stage, authorities say the case remains a missing-juvenile investigation.

Dalton is described as having long blonde hair and light-colored eyes. Police have not said what she was wearing when she was last seen.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that Dalton’s status as a minor, combined with the weeks-long absence, places her in an especially vulnerable position.

Authorities reiterated Friday that even small pieces of information could be critical.

‘Anyone who may have seen Dalton or can provide information on her whereabouts is being urged to share that info anonymously,’ deputies said, noting tips can be submitted through the Crimestoppers mobile app or by calling (888) 274-6372.

Investigators stressed that ‘even details you may consider insignificant could help’ reunite Dalton with her family and ensure she is safe.

Dalton’s disappearance comes amid a troubling pattern in South Carolina, which reports thousands of missing persons each year. 

At least one person commenting on the the police’s Facebook post claimed to know more about the case

Authorities say the case is ‘endangered’ and are urging the public to share any information that could bring her home. Pictured, file photo of downtown Columbia in South Carolina

Runaway cases involving juveniles make up a significant portion of those reports, and many remain unresolved for long periods.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, more than 200 children were reported missing statewide in both 2022 and 2023. 

Advocates warn that prolonged runaway cases can quickly escalate into far more dangerous situations, particularly when minors are believed to be traveling with adults.

Under South Carolina law, kidnapping is classified as a felony offense, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years if a conviction is secured. 

Authorities have not said whether charges are being considered in Dalton’s case.