2024-03-03 05:16:00
(CNN) — A Texas man has been arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl from the Houston area who was missing for eight days before being found safe and well.
The girl disappeared on February 22 from her home near Houston. Police issued an Amber Alert Wednesday saying they believe she may have been trafficked.
When she first disappeared, she was believed to have left alone, a Houston police spokesperson told CNN.
Houston Police issued an Amber Alert for 12-year-old E’minie Hughes, missing since February 22. houston police
But police obtained new information, leading them to believe she may have been trafficked, a spokesperson said.
Police also shared that the girl may have been on a social media app called Tagged, but did not provide further details on what role the girl’s possible presence at the site may have played in their investigation.
The girl was found unharmed 117 miles from Houston in Columbus, Texas, police said Friday. She was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital for evaluation.
The girl is one of the 460,000 children who disappear annually in the United States, according to the Department of Justice.
In a post on Facebook, Columbus police said they were informed Friday followingnoon that the missing girl was possibly within their city limits.
“Columbus Police attempted to arrest Sirterryon Preston, 27, of Houston, Texas, in reference to having possession of the missing minor,” the post said.
Preston attempted to flee police custody but was captured and arrested, authorities said.
He was charged with evading and taken to the Colorado County Detention Center. According to police, more charges are pending further investigation by the FBI.
CNN has not been able to confirm whether Preston has an attorney.
CNN has reached out to the FBI in Houston for more information.
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