Police find girl missing for 8 days and arrest Houston, Texas man

CNN
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A Texas man has been arrested and charged in connection with a missing person's death. houston area minor The 13 people were missing for eight days but were found safely.

The girl went missing from her home near Houston on February 22nd. Police issued an Amber Alert Wednesday and said they believe she may have been trafficked.

A Houston police spokesperson told CNN that when she first went missing, she was believed to have left alone.

However, police received new information and believe she may have been trafficked, a police spokesperson said.

Police also revealed that the girl may have been using a social media app called “Tagged,” but it is unclear what role her possible presence on the site played in the investigation. Details were not disclosed.

Police said Friday that the girl was found unharmed in Columbus, Texas, 113 miles from Houston. She was taken to Texas Children's Hospital for her evaluation.

The child is one of about 460,000 children who go missing in the United States each year, according to the Department of Justice.

Columbus Police said in a Facebook post that they were notified Friday afternoon that the missing girl may be within city limits.

“Columbus Police attempted to take into custody Sarterion Preston, 27, of Houston, Texas, for possession of a missing juvenile,” the post said.

Authorities said Preston attempted to flee from police custody, but was caught and arrested.

He was charged with escape and taken to the Colorado County Jail. Additional charges are pending further investigation by the FBI. According to the police.

CNN has not been able to confirm whether Preston has a lawyer.

CNN has reached out to FBI Houston for more information.