A missing 16-year-old central Alberta girl is back at home with her family after being gone for two days and a 56-year-old man has been arrested in connection to her disappearance.
The girl was last seen at a convenience store in her hometown of Penhold around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Now, the teen is at home with her family after what must have been a terrifying two days and nights. Her mother says she knew something bad must have happened because her daughter is so responsible. She says when she was reunited with her daughter, the teen was more worried about the impact her disappearance had on her siblings.
"She said she was so scared, and then, this is the type of kid she is, she asked about her brother and sister and how they were doing."
Police say a Red Deer man is in custody and is accused of kidnapping and sexual assault. RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb says the teen was found shaken and with some injuries.
"I can't go into the injuries at all, but suffice it to say that it is obviously a very upsetting and trying experience and so she is recovering. I talked to her today very quickly and she's a pretty tough young lady."
When the teen disappeared, volunteers stepped up to try and find her. Thousands of flyers were passed out all over town and search and rescue crews combed the bushes looking for clues, but nothing was found. Then, on Saturday evening, 46 hours after she went missing, the girl showed up at a toy store in the Red Deer mall asking to use the telephone. The teen called her dad. Police picked her up and she was looked over by a doctor. Neighbours say they are relieved she's back home, but are troubled by what the girl must have gone through.
"Any time a child goes missing, of any kind, you want to make sure they're safe. I have two little girls here, if they went missing I'd freak."
"She's young and innocent. It's just heartbreaking to know that this happens."
"That's the first news that we've heard. It's really great news and I'm happy to hear she's home with her family safe and sound."
Police say the teen didn't know her abductor and they aren't releasing any details about how the girl got away. The girl was able to provide a detailed description that helped police make an arrest. Sgt. Webb says the suspect was picked up in a car and brought in for questioning.
"Whether she escaped from a vehicle, or from a house, and all those details, we have that information, but we can't put it out just yet."
Her mother says the most important thing is her daughter is alive and back in her own house.
"Relieved, relieved that's she's home."
Meantime, charges against the 56-year-old suspect are expected to be formally laid against him in the next day, at which time his name will be released. The suspect's vehicle has been seized by police for examination.
