Gabriella Mercedes, Missing, then found Gabriella Mercedes Gabriella Mercedes

Police responding to a tip found Mercedes at a Taco Bell at 4919 196th Street SW about 11:30 a.m. She was alone, well-dressed and healthy according to officers. She told them that she was ready to go home.

Lynnwood Police Officer Clarke Savell said officers often deal with runaways, but he had never seen a reunion turn out the way this one did. "Her mom came in the lobby of the police department and they both were crying and hugging," Savell said. "Then the mom got me in a bear hug for about 25 seconds and gave me a big kiss on the neck - and I just kept telling her 'she's here, she's OK, she's OK.'"'

It is not known where Mercedes spent the last two and a half months. In June, Mercedes called her mother. Mary Mercedes, from Shoreline. During that call a male voice was heard instructing Mercedes to tell her mother she was in Canada.

Mary Mercedes lives in Silvana, a community south of Stanwood. She says her daughter is developmentally 12 years old.

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Department and the Lynnwood Police are continuing to investigate.