Have you seen this woman?

She’s Erika Lopez, the first female in Tennessee to enlist as a combat engineer in the United States Army, a position that could end up with her fighting on the front lines (she walked into the recruiting office not longer after the branch lifted the ban on women in combat roles).

According to a military spokesperson, however, she’s no longer in training — she fled — and is no listed as “AWOL”.

“After 30 days in an AWOL status, a soldier is considered a deserter and a federal warrant is issued for his or her arrest,” said spokesperson Tiffany Wood.

“We are always concerned for the welfare of our soldiers. Private Erika Lopez’s unit has tried multiple times to determine her whereabouts and make contact with her, however, all attempts have been unsuccessful,” she stated. “If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Pvt. Erika Lopez, please contact local authorities.”

Once detained, Lopez will be escorted to the nearest military installation and handed over to military police.

So just how did this happen?

This from CBS Local8Now out of Knoxville:

Lopez was in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. An Army spokesperson tells Local 8 News that Private Lopez was scheduled to return from convalescent leave on January 4th. She was reported absent without leave (AWOL) on January 5th after she failed to return.

Back in July of 2015, Lopez told us she knew her decision was unique. “It makes me feel really excited that no woman has ever done it before.”

She left her husband and two children in September of 2015 for basic training where she was learning to build bridges, detonate artillery, and detect roadside bombs under combat conditions. She said, “You make sacrifices your whole life for your children and for your family, this will be a sacrifice… Women can do anything they set their mind to just as well as men I don’t really see any difference at all. I hope women will want to join.”

This is the story the local television station did on Lopez back in the summer when she made her decision to enlist as a soldier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P3dduepRjA

Stay tuned to the blog for more on this developing story.

UPDATE: After 30 days of being AWOL, in the eyes of the U.S. military, Private Erika Lopez is now considered a deserter.

SECOND UPDATE: According to numerous reports, Lopez turned herself into military authorities Thursday night.