Nikki Alcaraz, a Tennessee woman who had been missing since May 6 during a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, has been found safe in Northern California, according to officials. Alcaraz and her boyfriend, Steven Tyler Stratton, had encountered trouble during their trip in New Mexico when an alleged fight broke out between them, with witnesses reporting Stratton punching Alcaraz. Despite police intervention, neither of them wished to press charges.
Following the altercation, a friend from California traveled to New Mexico to pick up Alcaraz, but she refused to leave without Stratton. This marked the last time the couple was seen together. Three days later, a text message was sent from Alcaraz’s phone, indicating she was en route to California. Additionally, her Jeep was spotted at a shopping center in Arizona by a license plate reader.
On May 30, authorities in Northern California received a tip that Alcaraz had been seen at a Walmart in Redding over the Memorial Day weekend. Subsequently, law enforcement in Eureka confirmed that Alcaraz had been located and was found to be safe. She is no longer considered missing.
Meanwhile, Steven Tyler Stratton was apprehended while traveling with Alcaraz and was taken into custody. He has been booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The circumstances surrounding their journey and the events leading up to Alcaraz’s disappearance are currently under investigation.
Anyone who has experienced domestic violence or is in need of assistance is encouraged to seek help. Hotlines such as the Los Angeles County hotline (1-800-978-3600) and the national hotline (1-800-799-7233) are available for support and guidance.
