Introduction
MARTINEZ, CA — The City of Martinez issued an alert early Monday morning for two missing juveniles, Christopher and Emily Salser-Smith, who left their home shortly after midnight via rideshare. According to law enforcement, the teens may be in the Walnut Creek area, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Martinez Police.
The alert, posted through the Contra Costa County emergency notification system, underscores the importance of regional coordination when minors go missing across city lines. For Walnut Creek residents, the incident is a reminder of the role community vigilance plays in keeping young people safe — even when the situation begins in a neighboring city.
What We Know
According to the Martinez Police Department, the siblings left their residence via rideshare shortly after midnight on Monday, May 18. The exact circumstances of their departure have not been publicly detailed, but law enforcement indicated that they may have traveled to the Walnut Creek area — roughly 10 miles south of Martinez via Highway 4 and I-680.
The Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services activated the regional alert system, which notifies residents in targeted geographic areas via text message, email, and app notifications. The system, known as CWS (Community Warning System), is the same infrastructure used for evacuation warnings during wildfires and other regional emergencies.
How to Help
Walnut Creek residents who may have seen the juveniles or have relevant information are urged to contact the Martinez Police Department directly. Key details to note when reporting a sighting include the time, location, direction of travel, and any distinguishing features.
If you have not already signed up for regional emergency alerts, Contra Costa County residents can register through the county’s Office of Emergency Services website. The system covers alerts for missing persons, evacuations, hazardous materials incidents, and other public safety events across all Contra Costa cities, including Walnut Creek.
Conclusion
Missing juvenile cases remind us that public safety doesn’t stop at city limits. Walnut Creek’s proximity to Martinez, Concord, and other Contra Costa communities means that incidents in neighboring cities can affect residents here — and that community awareness and cooperation across jurisdictions are essential tools for keeping everyone safe.
If you have information: Martinez Police Department · Contra Costa Community Warning System
