Payton Diver, 16, who had been missing since March 8, has returned home safely. | Photo: Lake Villa Police Department Facebook page

A 16-year-old missing teen from Lake Villa has been returned home safe thanks to a tip from the public, authorities said.

Payton Diver had been missing since leaving her home on March 8, a post on the Lake Villa Police Facebook site said.

The post continued the 16-year-old teen may have been trying to visit friends in Glenview or Vernon Hills, and anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact the Lake Villa Police Department.

Lake Villa Police received a lead regarding Payton’s whereabouts late Thursday, police said.

Officers and detectives with Lake Villa Police teamed with members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Child Rescue Unit and Chicago Police Department District 8 officers to successfully and peacefully recover Payton at a residence in Chicago at 10:30 a.m. Friday, authorities said.

Police did not indicate the reason why the 16-year-old had been missing.

[Suggested Article]  Residents safely escape after basement fire leaves house uninhabitable in Fox Lake Hills

Lake Villa Chief Rochelle Tisinai said on Facebook she is “grateful for the positive outcome and extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who called in with leads. Your support and vigilance made a difference.”