The young teenager missing from Mecosta County has.been found and a man is in police custody.
The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office reported she was located in Spanaway, Washington, approximately 2,300 miles from her home in Paris, Michigan, or a 37-hour drive.
“A 36-year-old male, from Spanaway, who is suspected of transporting her there from her residence in Paris, is in police custody. Investigation into the matter will continue,” the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office posted on their Facebook page.
It was not immediately reported how the girl was transported across the country.
Having gone missing on the morning of July 31, she was located at about 10 p.m. Monday night.
Hundreds of people commented to say thank you to the investigators and express joy at her being found.
“Thank you to the Mecosta County Sheriff’s (Office_ for working so hard and finding her,” wrote Barbara Moss. “Our family is so grateful. Thank you to all the prayers given tor my granddaughter. Words cannot express our gratitude for your support and caring! Thank god!”
The teenager, of Paris, MI, in Green Twp, was last seen leaving her home on the morning of July 31st at 8:30 a.m.; she may possibly be with an unknown adult male, local police said
Mecosta County sheriff’s officials on Monday had renewed their plea for assistance finding a 13-year-old girl.
Officials first sought assistance last week, saying “The juvenile … is 13 years old. She is approximately 5-foot-5,160 lbs with blue eyes and light reddish/pink hair. She was last known to be wearing a black long-sleeve shirt with a turquoise-green American flag on the front, black ripped jeans with holes in the knees, and black converse shoes with white on them. She may have a black bag with white stripes and pink buckles.”
Although still missing, she was reported to be seen on the evening of July 30th around 8:00 pm in Lake County near US-10 and 48th.
The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office renewed their plea Monday and continued to ask for the public’s help in search for her.
Hours later, she had been recovered and the man was taken into custody.
Her home is in Green Township, just north of Big Rapids and about an hour north of Grand Rapids.
Anyone with information about the situation is asked to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 592-0150, tips@mecostasheriff.org or MeCeola Central Dispatch at (231) 796-4811.