Kathryn "Katie" McMilliams, who was reported missing Monday after she failed to show up for school at Heroes K-8 Academy, was found safe Tuesday, Pueblo police said.

At 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, police announced that the child had been found inside her home in the 2800 block of Baltimore Avenue, in a room surrounded by several of her pets. Police said some of the circumstances of her disappearance are still unclear, such as if she was in the home since she was reported missing.

In a tweet, the police department thanked the public "for the information that was provided to investigators."

The news that Katie had been located came as the search for her grew more intense. By Tuesday afternoon, the 2800 block of Baltimore Avenue had been cordoned off, with police, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, animal law enforcement and a canine team at the scene.

Shortly after an unidentified person in a bright jacket was escorted from the home by an officer, the yellow tape was lifted and the block was reopened.

"She's safe? Praise Jesus!," exclaimed a woman at the scene who said she had spent the day searching for Katie.

The saga of Katie's disappearance began at 6 p.m. Monday, when police responded to the 2800 block of Baltimore Avenue on a report that the child didn't arrive for school that morning. A family member said Katie didn't even get on the school bus that day.

By Tuesday morning, family members, friends and residents were canvassing the neighborhoods and handing out "missing person" flyers.

jpompia@chieftain.com

Twitter: @jpompia