A trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation over the weekend. However, after performing a check on one of the passengers, the officer realized they were dealing with a potential kidnapping of a 6-year-old.
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The Kansas Highway Patrol posted
a statement about the incident on Facebook. Authorities say that a trooper assigned to the criminal interdiction unit performed a stop on an SUV following a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper discovered that police in another state had put out an arrest warrant for the passenger in the front seat. They were wanted for the kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl just over a month ago.The driver also reportedly had a documented criminal history, including weapons violations and homicide. Both men in the car were in their 60s, and the officer started to piece everything together when they noticed the young girl in the SUV.
The Kidnapped 6-Year-Old Lied About Her Name And Age
The statement explains that the Trooper and a deputy from a local sheriff's office quickly secured the driver and passenger. The trooper then safely removed the girl from the car. The child reportedly gave authorities a fake name and date of birth to conceal her identity. Per the statement, she was 'coached to do so.'
Once the trooper calmed the 6-year-old down, she eventually revealed her real name. She had reportedly been on the run for over a month with the suspect. Authorities took both men into custody and reported that the girl was unharmed.
In a recent update to the statement on Facebook, the Kansas Highway Patrol thanks readers for the 'outpouring of support,' saying that the rescue 'highlights the unpredictable nature of a trooper's job and the real impact they can have on people's lives.'
They also say that many people have requested additional information. However, as the case is still part of an open investigation, they cannot divulge any more details.
Last month, we reported on another traffic stop in Essex, although this one did not have a happy ending. During the stop, the trooper noticed the "unmistakable odor of decomposition." The remains of two children were found in the trunk and in a plastic bag. The children were reportedly the driver's niece and nephew. Authorities sentenced the driver, Nicole Johnson, to 50 years in prison.
