STORY COUNTY, Iowa — Authorities in central Iowa are searching for a missing Ames girl. The Iowa Department of Public Safety says five-year old Avery Lydia Doherty was reported missing to the Story County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 13, 2023. Avery Doherty weighs 45 pounds. She’s 4-feet, 5-inches tall, has blonde hair and blue eyes.

According to court documents, Avery is believed to be with her non-custodial mother, Esther Bender, who did not adhere to the custody agreement or show-up for her hearings. An Amber Alert was not issued when she disappeared because there is no vehicle description. Ames Police, however, say they are extremely concerned for Avery’s safety. Sgt. Amber Christian with the Ames Police Department said no one has heard from or seen Avery or Esther Bender. Authorities don’t know where they could be, but it is believed that they have left the state. Police have exhausted all leads.

If you have any information about Avery’s disappearance, contact the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5135 or the Story County Sheriff’s Department at 515-382-6566. You can also contact the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6036.