LILLINGTON, N.C. — A 12-year-old girl is safe and recovering with her family following an alleged kidnapping in Harnett County, according to Sheriff Wayne Coats.
Deputies arrested 38-year-old Daniel Francis Gear after a search Sunday near U.S. 421 in the Lillington area.
Deputies find girl beside U.S. 421
Authorities said the girl was allegedly taken Sunday, Aug. 16, from a home where she had been visiting a friend.
Deputies later found the child walking beside U.S. 421. She was taken to a hospital for an evaluation, released and reunited with her family.
Investigators located Gear’s vehicle nearby but did not initially find him with the car. Deputies continued searching the surrounding area and located him Sunday night in a wooded area along U.S. 421.
Sheriff says suspect lived near the home
According to the sheriff, Gear lived close to the home where the girl had been visiting. Authorities said there was no known relationship between Gear and the child.
Gear was charged with first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping have not been released.
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said the girl is continuing to recover with her family.
Anyone with information that may be relevant to the investigation should contact the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: WRAL.
