Local Missing Juvenile Safely Located After Multi-State Investigation
This morning {6-9-25}, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing juvenile in the Sand Mountain area. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 15-year-old female had left her residence during the night with an adult male she had been communicating with online.
Dade County Road Patrol Officers, Detectives, and 911 Operators immediately launched a coordinated effort to locate the individuals, who were believed to be traveling toward Oklahoma.
Working closely with law enforcement agencies in Arkansas and Oklahoma, authorities were able to track the subjects to a vehicle traveling on I-40, just outside Little Rock, Arkansas. Both individuals were located and taken into custody by Arkansas authorities without incident.
The juvenile is being reunited with her family, while the male suspect is currently being held on a charge of Felony Interstate Interference with Custody (OCGA 16-5-45).
Sheriff Ray Cross issued the following statement:
“I want to personally thank all the agencies involved in bringing this young lady home safely. As a parent, I can only imagine the fear and uncertainty her family experienced. Let this be a clear message: If you come to Dade County and unlawfully take a child, we will find you—and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”