A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper helped rescue a 6-year-old girl who had been missing for over a month and took two men into custody following a routine traffic stop, authorities confirmed.
Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery
During a routine traffic stop, the trooper pulled over an SUV for a violation. Inside the vehicle were two older men and a young girl. After checking records, the trooper discovered that the front-seat passenger had an active arrest warrant from another state for kidnapping the child over a month earlier.
Additionally, the driver was found to have a criminal history, including past offenses related to homicide and weapons violations.
Rescue Operation
A local sheriff’s deputy assisted in securing the two men while the trooper focused on the child. The girl had been instructed to lie about her identity and initially gave a false name and birthdate. However, after the trooper reassured her, she revealed her real name, confirming she was the missing child.
Authorities confirmed that the girl was physically unharmed and was immediately placed in protective custody. Both men were arrested on-site and are facing serious charges.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials reported that the traffic stop had taken place in February, but further details were being withheld to protect the child’s identity and the ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways:
Alert law enforcement turned a routine stop into a life-saving rescue mission.
The girl had been missing for over a month and was being held against her will.
The suspects had criminal backgrounds, including kidnapping, homicide, and weapons offenses.
The child was coached to lie, but with care and patience, she revealed the truth.
This case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and how routine checks can lead to major breakthroughs in missing persons cases.