In a shocking turn of events, the father of 15-year-old Alison Chao, who went missing for a week before being found safe outside a Glendale TV station, has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and other charges. Jeffrey Chao was taken into custody on Friday, with authorities alleging child abduction, conspiracy, and falsifying a police report.

The Monterey Park Police Department released a statement acknowledging their dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies in resolving the critical situation and ensuring Alison's safety. However, the department declined to provide further details on the ongoing investigation.

The disappearance of Alison Chao, which had left her family and community in distress, showed no signs of foul play, according to a family lawyer. Her last reported sighting was on July 16, after she went for a bike ride. A Glendale woman, concerned for Alison's well-being, noticed a girl who resembled her entering the KABC offices and promptly alerted a security guard. The girl was later identified as Alison, who disclosed running away from home and expressing her reluctance to return to her mother's residence.

In a news conference earlier this week, Jose Romero, the attorney representing Jeffrey Chao, claimed that Alison's disappearance was not a case of kidnapping and no evidence of foul play existed. Romero refrained from commenting on a video allegedly filmed by Alison the day before her disappearance, which circulated on social media and showed police officers encouraging her to accompany them.

Alison's mother, Annie Chao, released a statement on Friday, disclosing that she had separated from Jeffrey Chao on March 10, 2023, and requested shared custody of their daughter. Annie Chao expressed her belief that her family was composed of good, decent individuals worthy of trust and addressed the hurtful and misleading statements made about them on social media.

According to Emily Robinson, Alison's court-appointed counsel, Annie Chao currently has "sole physical custody" of Alison. The teenager had left her home on North Ynez Avenue in Monterey Park at 5:32 p.m. on July 16, riding her blue mountain bike towards her aunt's house in San Gabriel. Concern grew when Alison failed to arrive at her destination, prompting her aunt to contact Jeffrey Chao around 8 p.m.

Authorities are now intensifying their search for any clues that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Alison Chao. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for her safe return and eagerly awaits justice to be served.