Posting tips may push teen away, family fears

Public asked to stop sharing suggestions on missing girl

Friends and family members of Soleil Fleury — the Mississauga teen who has been missing for a week — want online users to stop doing something they fear will only keep the 15-year-old away even longer.

“From here forward we are asking that people not post suggestions on where to look (for her) or what to do as this is a public page and everyone has access,” says a post from the Facebook page “Looking for Soleil,” devoted to raising public awareness about the missing persons case.

“We fear that posting suggestions could force Soleil or someone she’s with deeper into hiding. The police are actively engaged 24/7 and are giving us updates wherever possible but if we do not share it is because we have been asked not to.”

Family members are asking residents who want to help to “please keep spreading the posters,” which are posted in areas across the GTA.

“If you have an update to share, please share it with the police directly . . . Your support and love are so appreciated. The family is so grateful for all that you are doing.”

Soleil’s dad, Mario Fleury, said he doesn’t believe his daughter is dead or has fallen victim to foul play.

“I don’t believe it and police don’t believe it,” he said in an interview over the weekend. “We still have hope, a lot of hope that she is alive. She’s a very, very smart girl and I think she wanted some time alone.”

The teen has been battling depression, her mother and other family members said.

The worried dad made a desperate plea to his daughter to return home.

“I miss you terribly. We love you and miss you terribly,” he said.

Video surveillance was discovered showing the teen riding a green bicycle east on Dundas St. away from her home in Mississauga the night she disappeared. Family members now suspect she may have taken the GO train toward downtown Toronto and say “Toronto is still an area of focus.”

Peel Regional Police say the girl was last seen by her dad in their home at 10 p.m. Nov. 5, in the area of the Credit Woodlands and Dundas St. W.

Anyone with information can call investigators at the 11D ivision at 905453—2121, ext. 1133 or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800222-8477.