COLUMBUS, Texas — Police in Texas have arrested a man suspected in the disappearance of a girl who was missing for eight days before she was safely located.
Sirterryon Preston, 27, of Houston was charged with evading authorities after he attempted to flee from officers on Friday, the Columbus Police Department said in social media post Saturday.
The police learned around 12:40 p.m. Friday that a 12-year-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert search was in Columbus, about 94 miles (150 kilometers) west of Houston.
The girl’s identity was confirmed and she was transported to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for evaluation, police said.
The Houston Police Department issued the alert notifying the public about the missing girl after she was last seen on Feb. 22 getting into a pickup truck in the city, news reports said.
Preston was being held in the Colorado County jail with additional charges possible, pending an investigation by the FBI, the Columbus police said.
A message left Sunday at a phone number listed for Preston was not immediately returned.
The arrest comes shortly after another abduction case involving a girl in the Houston area.
A memorial service was held Saturday for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who was allegedly killed by a family friend with a history of violence.
Don McDougal was charged with capital murder in connection with Cunningham’s death. Prosecutors say he was supposed to take her to a school bus stop when she disappeared Feb. 15. Her body was found Feb. 20 in a river near Houston.
After a harrowing eight days, authorities have finally located the suspect in the abduction of a 12-year-old girl. The young girl, who had been missing since last week, was found safe and unharmed thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement officers.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released to the public, was apprehended by police following an extensive search operation. The arrest comes as a relief to the girl’s family and the community at large, who had been anxiously waiting for news of her whereabouts.
The abduction of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and the swift resolution of this case is a testament to the dedication and skill of law enforcement officers. The successful outcome is also a reminder of the importance of community involvement in helping to locate missing children.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the abduction, but they have assured the public that the suspect is now in custody and will face appropriate charges. The safety and well-being of the young girl are of paramount importance, and she is currently receiving support and care from professionals.
Cases like these serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers that children can face in today’s world. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and educate children about safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.
In conclusion, the safe recovery of the 12-year-old girl is a cause for celebration, but it also serves as a wake-up call for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting children from harm. The arrest of the suspect brings closure to a terrifying ordeal and underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the public in ensuring the safety of all individuals.
