Reno Teen, Brianna Denison, Believed to Be Kidnapped

Reno teen, Brianna Denison, believed to be kidnapped: On January 20, the Reno Gazette-Journal posted an announcement by Reno police, asking for information on the whereabouts of 19-year-old Brianna Denison. Police are reporting the circumstances of her disappearance as being "suspicious" but have not clarified their meaning. They say that Brianna was last seen at 4 a.m. early Sunday morning at 1395 Mackay Court, which is close to the University of Nevada. Her description is of being white, 5'0", 98 lbs., long dark brown hair, and brown eyes.

She was probably wearing a white tank top with light blue or pink sweatpants. On January 21, police also posted an update, asking for information on the whereabouts of a man wanted for questioning. He is described as being a 45 year-old white man, driving a beige or light brown Chevrolet or GMC Suburban. While not considered a suspect, police believe he may have some vital information. Police also said that they have discovered the disappearance of a two-foot tall brown stuffed bear with white on its belly and multi-colored balloons, which is likely in Denison's possession.

News of yet another female college student disappearance can't help but bring to mind other recent kidnappings. The most famous one of late is that of Natalee Holloway. Almost three years ago, on May 30, 2005, Holloway disappeared while vacationing in Aruba with classmates on a senior trip. Suspects included some young men with whom she was hanging out. No trace of her has ever been found, and Aruba just ended its probe for any further information.

Another recent, and somewhat controversial, disappearance of a young woman was the kidnapping of Latasha Norman. She was abducted, and later murdered by her boyfriend Stanley Cole. She was missing for over a week before her boyfriend led authorities to her body. ABC News correspondent David Schoetz wrote that it was considered controversial because it didn't receive as much media attention as other famous kidnappings, such as Natalee Holloway or Stacy Peterson, probably because she was black, according to the Jackson, Mississippi Chief of Police.

Controversial or not, many young college-aged girls are being kidnapped. So how does a girl protect herself?

Tried and true advice encourages women to always be aware of their surroundings. Take self-defense classes. Carry pepper spray and learn how to yell your head off. Follow that woman's intuition and try to not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Use the buddy system.

Most college and universities have written information regarding their policies and in-house security. Refer to your college handbook, contact campus police and local police for more specific help in your area.

Also, check out a book called Girls Fight Back!: The College Girl's Guide to Protecting Herself by Erin Weed. Arm yourself with knowledge, and you will arm yourself with power.

Sources:
New leads in Reno girl's disappearance. Reno Gazette-Journal. Posted January 21, 2008 11:46 a.m. http://m.rgj.com/news.jsp?key=18983&rc=lo
Police Search for Missing Reno Woman. Reno Gazette-Journal. Retrieved January 21, 2008. http://m.rgj.com/news.jsp?key=18783&rc=lo

All Points Bulletin for Natalee Holloway. http://www.allpointsbulletin.org/Natalee_Holloway.html
Aruba ends missing US girl probe. BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7150744.stm

America's Most Wanted Data File for Latasha Norman. http://www.amw.com/missing_persons/brief.cfm?id=50994
Schoetz, David. Missing Woman Coverage a Black and White Issue? Posted November 21, 2007. ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3898158