Nikki Alcaraz, who had been reported missing following an alleged domestic dispute with her boyfriend, has been located by the authorities. Nikki disappeared during a road trip from Tennessee to California with her boyfriend, Steven Tyler Stratton.
After the release of harrowing bodycam footage showing the aftermath of the reported domestic dispute, the Redding Police Department in California confirmed that Nikki was found safe. A statement from the police department expressed gratitude to their allied agency partners and confirmed that Nikki is no longer considered a missing person.
The incident unfolded when police pulled over Nikki and Steven on May 4 in New Mexico after receiving a 911 domestic violence call. Both individuals were let go as they declined to press criminal charges after claiming mutual physical altercations.
Concern grew when Nikki’s sister, Toni Alcaraz, didn’t hear from her after receiving a text on May 8. A missing persons report was filed in New Mexico, where Nikki was last seen. Given the history of domestic assault, authorities believed Nikki was in danger.
During the investigation, New Mexico deputies released bodycam footage capturing their interaction with Nikki and Steven prior to her disappearance. In the footage, Nikki, with visible marks on her skin, initially expressed her desire to press charges. Steven, who had blood on his face, mentioned Nikki’s alleged mental issues but stated he didn’t want to get her into trouble.
Both Nikki and Steven claimed that the other had hit them unprovoked. Deputies concluded that both parties were mutual combatants while traveling, and no charges were pursued. The actions of the responding deputies are now under investigation to determine if any policies were violated.
The circumstances surrounding Nikki’s disappearance and the alleged domestic dispute highlight the serious nature of the incident and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to ensure the safety of the individuals involved.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247
