A nationwide search for a missing 12-year-old South Carolina girl has ended safely in Independence County, Arkansas.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office says Riley Berryhill, 12, was found safe in Arkansas Wednesday after authorities reported she had been abducted Tuesday.
Riley was last seen at approximately 4 p.m. September 8 in the area of Arnold Road and Highway 101 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
Authorities issued an urgent appeal for the public’s help as investigators worked to locate the missing juvenile and determine where she had been taken.
The search ultimately led investigators to Arkansas.
Officials say Riley was safely recovered in Independence County near Batesville, with assistance from the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens is expected to provide additional information Thursday afternoon regarding Riley’s recovery and the local law enforcement response.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the exact location where Riley was found, details about how investigators traced her to Arkansas, or whether anyone has been arrested or charged in connection with the reported abduction.
Officials also have not yet disclosed the full circumstances surrounding how Riley traveled from South Carolina to Independence County.
The most important development is that Riley has been located and is safe.
UPDATE ON THE STORY:
A 12-year-old South Carolina girl who authorities say was groomed online and abducted has been found safe in Independence County, Arkansas, following an intensive multi-state search.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina, Sheriff Bill Rhyne said Wednesday evening that the girl was located around 4:30 p.m. September 9 by authorities in Independence County.
A suspect identified as 31-year-old Brandon Lee Britten was arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities say Britten is being held in Independence County while awaiting extradition. Sheriff Rhyne said additional charges are expected in both South Carolina and Arkansas as the investigation continues.
The girl, a student at Woodruff Middle School in South Carolina, was reported missing Tuesday evening after she was last seen around 4 p.m. September 8 in the Woodruff area.
Investigators spent hours reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses and going door-to-door trying to determine where the child had gone and whether she had entered a vehicle.
Sheriff Rhyne said investigators eventually determined that the girl had allegedly been groomed by an adult through social media before being abducted.
At approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, investigators found surveillance footage showing the girl getting into a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu.
Investigators then used license-plate reader information to track the vehicle.
According to Rhyne, two overnight detections of the vehicle were found in Alabama. Investigators then received another detection in Arkansas at approximately 3:20 p.m.
That information was forwarded to Arkansas authorities.
About an hour later, deputies in Independence County located the vehicle, recovered the 12-year-old girl and arrested Britten.
The child remained in protective custody in Arkansas Wednesday evening.
Rhyne credited license-plate reader technology with helping investigators locate the girl hundreds of miles from where she disappeared.
The sheriff also used the case to warn parents about adults who use social media and other online platforms to target children.
The investigation remains active.
Britten has been accused in connection with the abduction, but any criminal charges against him are allegations unless and until proven in court.
ArkansasRadio.com will continue following this developing story and will provide updates as additional information is released by law enforcement.
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