Arizona Issues First-Ever Turquoise Alert for Missing 6-Year-Old
A Turquoise Alert has been issued in Arizona for 6-year-old Violet Coultas, who was last seen with her mother, Sarah Coultas, in Phoenix. Authorities believe Sarah Coultas fled Hawaii with her daughter in violation of a court order, sparking a multi-state search.
The Turquoise Alert system, a relatively new public notification tool, was established in May 2025 following the passage of Emily’s Law. This legislation arose from the tragic death of Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and addressed a gap in existing alert systems – specifically, cases involving missing endangered individuals under the age of 65 that don’t meet the criteria for an Amber Alert.
A New System in Action
This marks the first time the Arizona Department of Public Safety has activated a Turquoise Alert since the system’s implementation. The alert aims to leverage public awareness to locate Violet Coultas and ensure her safe return. According to officials, the pair was sighted on video surveillance at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 12 at approximately 10 p.m.
Details on Violet and Sarah Coultas
Violet Coultas is described as 3 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 43 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, pink jacket, pink sweater, light-colored shorts, and white shoes.
Her mother, Sarah Coultas, is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has straight brown hair and hazel eyes. The Hawaii Police Department has stated that Coultas was wanted for questioning in connection with a custodial interference investigation prior to her disappearance with Violet. She previously resided in Pa’auilo and worked in Hilo, Hawaii.
Timeline of Sightings
The pair was initially spotted together on July 6 at the top of Miloli’i Road in South Kona, Hawaii. They were then observed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport the following week. Authorities are actively investigating the route taken between Hawaii and Arizona.
How to Help
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Violet or Sarah Coultas is urged to contact 911 immediately. Any leads or historical tips should be directed to the Hawaii Police Department. A senior official stated, “Sarah Coultas is alleged to have fled Hawaii with Violet in violation of a court order.”
Authorities in both Arizona and Hawaii are collaborating to locate Violet and facilitate her safe return.
