Waseca police: Missing girl found safe, case 'still active'

WASECA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A 7-year-old girl who was reported missing in Waseca Monday night has been found safe after hundreds came out to search for her, police said. 

Officers said the girl was last seen shortly before 7 p.m., running away from her family near the Waseca Mayo Clinic hospital. Police conducted grid searches in the area. In an update before 2 a.m. Tuesday, Waseca police said the girl was found safe. 

In a post on social media Tuesday morning, Waseca police said hundreds looked for her, contacted police with information, or said a prayer for her return. 

"Thank you to the Waseca Community for your impromptu and overwhelming assistance last night," police said, adding: "You truly showed what small-town living is all about, and we thank you again for your efforts. You should be proud to live here!"

Numerous agencies from outside Waseca responded to help search, as well as people who used their boats to check nearby lakes. 

Police said they cannot release additional information, noting the case is still active.