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Avery Rice was located at a residence in Melbourne, where she was staying with a friend, also a juvenile. From the onset of this case, it was widely known by a number of friends and classmates that Rice had made the decision not to return home, and Law Enforcement believed she was staying with various friends.

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The Satellite Beach Police Department continued to work with the family and additional agencies around the county to develop leads to locate Rice. A tip from the family late Sunday night, lead authorities to a friend’s residence in Melbourne, where she was located safely and without incident.

A 15-year-old juvenile was taken into custody and charged with harboring a missing/runaway juvenile.

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The Satellite Beach Police Department commends the efforts and full cooperation of the Rice family during this case. The investigation is ongoing to determine if charges will be brought against any additional suspects for knowingly housing a runaway.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to please call Lieutenant Anthony Holland of the Satellite Beach Police Department at 321-773-4400 Ext. 474 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

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