PHOENIX, AZ — A Turquoise Alert has been issued for 6-year-old Violet Coultas, who was last seen with her mother, Sarah Coultas, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on the evening of July 12, 2025. The alert was activated after law enforcement in Hawaii requested assistance in locating the child, as they believe Violet is in danger following a court order violation.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Violet was seen with her 48-year-old mother at approximately 10:01 p.m. on July 12 at the airport. Authorities from the Hawaii Police Department reported that Sarah Coultas had fled Hawaii with Violet, violating a custody court order. The case has raised significant concern for the child’s safety, as they believe she may be with a potentially dangerous individual.

Violet, who is described as 3 feet 10 inches tall with blonde hair and hazel eyes, was last seen wearing a white shirt, pink jacket, pink sweater, light-colored shorts, and white shoes. Sarah Coultas, the mother, is described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

The Turquoise Alert System

The Turquoise Alert system, a relatively new public safety tool in Arizona, was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs in May 2025. It was created in response to public outcry following the tragic disappearance and death of a San Carlos Apache teenager, which highlighted the need for a system specifically designed for vulnerable individuals who go missing under suspicious circumstances.

Under this law, a Turquoise Alert can be issued when a person under 65 goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, and authorities believe the individual is in danger or is in the company of someone potentially dangerous. Unlike Amber Alerts, which are strictly for child abductions, Turquoise Alerts encompass a wider range of cases, including situations where there is concern for an individual’s safety but the disappearance may not necessarily involve a credible threat of imminent harm or death.

Differences Between Turquoise Alerts and Amber Alerts

Both Turquoise and Amber Alerts are critical tools used to help locate missing persons, but they serve slightly different purposes. Amber Alerts are designed specifically for abductions of children under the age of 18, where there is an immediate credible threat of serious injury or death to the child. In contrast, Turquoise Alerts address missing persons who may not meet the stringent criteria for an Amber Alert but still require immediate attention because they are believed to be in danger.

The key difference lies in the circumstances of the disappearance. While an Amber Alert demands proof of an imminent danger to the child, a Turquoise Alert can be issued for a broader range of situations where a vulnerable individual is missing, and their safety is a concern, including cases like runaways or custody disputes where the child may be at risk.

Search Efforts and Investigation

As the Turquoise Alert for Violet Coultas remains active, authorities are continuing their investigation into her disappearance. The circumstances surrounding her mother’s flight with her are still under investigation, and law enforcement in both Arizona and Hawaii are working together to locate the child and ensure her safety.

The Hawaii Police Department is urging anyone who may have information about Violet’s whereabouts or her mother’s actions to come forward. Investigators are asking the public to remain vigilant, as any information that can assist in locating Violet and ensuring her well-being is crucial.

The Community’s Role in the Search

Local authorities, as well as the broader community, are being urged to spread the word about Violet’s disappearance. The Turquoise Alert system encourages residents to share the alert across social media, ensuring that as many people as possible are aware of the situation and can keep an eye out for the missing child. Public awareness is key to locating missing individuals, and the more people that are alerted, the better chance authorities have of locating Violet quickly.

What to Do if You Have Information

If you have any information about Violet Coultas or Sarah Coultas’s whereabouts, you are encouraged to contact the Hawaii Police Department at (808) 935-3311 or the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Information can also be shared anonymously through crime reporting services, ensuring that community members who may have critical information can assist without revealing their identities.

The Turquoise Alert for Violet Coultas remains active, and authorities continue to work diligently to locate her and ensure her safety. Law enforcement agencies are focusing their efforts on any potential leads and are looking into surveillance footage, witness statements, and any other pertinent information that may help in tracking down Violet and her mother.

What Happens Next

As the search for Violet continues, the case highlights the ongoing need for systems like the Turquoise Alert to address missing persons cases that don’t always fit the typical criteria for an Amber Alert. These alerts are vital in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals who may not be facing an imminent life-threatening situation but still require urgent attention.

For now, Violet’s family, including her concerned relatives in Hawaii, are anxiously awaiting any news. The community’s thoughts are with the young girl as authorities work around the clock to bring her back safely. While the situation is still unfolding, it is hoped that Violet will soon be found and reunited with her loved ones, away from any potential harm.

In the meantime, both law enforcement and the public are urged to remain vigilant and to spread the word about the Turquoise Alert for Violet Coultas. Every moment counts, and community cooperation is essential in locating missing individuals and preventing further harm.