A 12-year-old North Carolina girl was allegedly taken from a sleepover in Lillington and forced into a wooded area, authorities said. The child later managed to escape and was found near a highway by a passing motorist, leading to a police investigation and a lengthy search for the suspect.
Girl Allegedly Taken From Sleepover
The incident reportedly happened Sunday in Lillington, Harnett County, where the girl was spending the night at a friend’s home. According to investigators, Daniel Francis Gear, 38, allegedly woke the girl and instructed her to get into his truck.
Authorities said the suspect then drove with the girl to an area near Erwin before allegedly making her leave the vehicle and walk through the woods. The girl reportedly remained in the wooded area for several hours before finding a way to escape.
The child was not publicly identified because of her age.
Motorist Finds Girl Near Highway
Jennifer Maxwell, who was driving along U.S. Highway 421 that afternoon, said she noticed the girl emerging from a wooded area. The child was reportedly barefoot, crying and had scratches on her arms and legs.
Maxwell stopped to help and contacted emergency services. She then took the girl to the Erwin Police Department and later helped investigators identify the area where she had encountered the child.
The girl was subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation. She has since been released and is recovering with her family.
Suspect Arrested After Search
Investigators launched a search for Gear after locating his vehicle near the area where the girl had escaped. Authorities reportedly used multiple resources during the search, including law enforcement officers, a drone and a K-9 unit.
Gear was eventually taken into custody following the search. He faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female.
He remains in the Harnett County Jail on a $2.5 million bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 1.
The allegations remain pending in court, and a criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
