HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn., May 12 (UPI) — A missing nine-year-old Tennessee girl was rescued Thursday, more than a week after she disappeared — and her uncle was taken into custody for her kidnapping, authorities said.
Carlie Marie Trent vanished May 4 from her elementary school in Rogersville, about 70 miles northeast of Knoxville. Investigators later said she was taken out of school unlawfully by her uncle, Gary Simpson, and was not seen for eight days.
Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that Carlie had been rescued.
“Two citizens from Hawkins County checking their property found Carlie Trent and Gary Simpson there,” the TBI said, citing Director Mark Gwyn.
“Thanks to all who helped spread the word to look for Carlie. It worked!!” the bureau said in a tweet.
“Thank God, she was rescued safe. And we hope all the medical examinations turn out positive,” Gwyn said at a news conference Thursday evening. “Carlie is safe tonight because of an entire community pulling together with law enforcement to bring her home.”
Simpson was arrested and charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and custodial interference.
Gwyn said two men, whom he called “heroes,” located Carlie’s whereabouts. One held a gun on Simpson while the other called police. Officials said they believe the men were patrolling the area on ATVs, looking for Carlie, when they found her.
Authorities had asked the public for assistance in the case when it was learned that Simpson purchased camping equipment, The Tennesseean reported.
“This is a case of two heroes who went on their property to see if, by chance, they were there. And they were,” Gwyn said. “I think this is a clear message to the public that we need your help on these kind of cases.”
