Nine-year-old Carlie Trent, who has been missing since May 4th, was found safe Thursday afternoon, says the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office. Carlie was removed from school on May 4th by Gary Simpson, her uncle by marriage. Investigators said the girl’s uncle, Gary Simpson, is in custody. Simpson had no custodial rights.
According to WCYB in Johnson City, Simpson was taken into custody near Gravelly Valley Road.
WSMV reports that surveillance video showed the two at a Save-A-Lot grocery store in the same county last Wednesday.
Carlie’s father, James Trent, released a statement after his daughter was found.
“I was still positive these guys were going to find her because they were relentless in their search,” he said.
Rogersville Police Chief Doug Nelson said one or two bystanders caught Simpson and detained him.
Nelson said Carlie is in good spirits and is being checked out at a hospital. He said she was holding a teddy bear when she was found.
The police chief added the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is processing Simpson’s van.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, TBI Director Mark Gwyn said Roger Carpenter, a minister, and Donnie Lawson spotted Simpson and Carlie. One of them held Simpson at gunpoint while another called 911.
Gwyn said the two men were on ATVs in a remote area.
TBI agent Margie Quinn said they had received about 1,850 tips since the Amber Alert was issued last week.
