A routine traffic stop led to the rescue of a 6-year-old kidnapping victim and the arrest of two men, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announced Saturday.
According to the KHP’s social media post, the incident occurred in February when a trooper from the criminal interdiction unit pulled over an SUV for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper discovered that the front seat passenger had an active warrant for kidnapping a 6-year-old girl from another state, a crime committed just over a month prior.
The trooper observed a young girl, matching the victim’s description, inside the vehicle with two adult males, both in their 60s. Further investigation revealed that the driver had a significant criminal history, including homicide and numerous weapons violations.
“After the trooper and a deputy from a local sheriff’s office quickly secured both the driver and passenger, the trooper safely removed the little girl from the vehicle,” the KHP reported.
The 6-year-old initially provided a false name and date of birth, apparently coached by the suspects in an attempt to hinder their arrest. However, the trooper was able to calm the girl and ultimately obtain her true identity, confirming she was the kidnapped victim. She had been with the suspects for over a month while they were on the run.
“Thankfully the girl was unharmed, and the men were taken into custody,” the KHP stated.
The Kansas Highway Patrol did not release the names of the suspects or the specific location of the arrest, citing ongoing investigations.
