On Monday, September 28, the East Ridge Police Department  successfully assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chattanooga Police Department in the recovery of a missing 13-year-old female from Lee County, Florida.

The breakthrough in the multi-state investigation occurred when investigators utilized Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to determine that a suspect vehicle had recently traveled through an intersection just off Interstate 75 in East Ridge.

ERPD Patrol and Traffic Officers immediately flooded the area, locating the vehicle within minutes of the initial ALPR alert in the 3800 block of Bennett Road.

Working rapidly, officers coordinated safe and effective vehicle interdiction. Upon securing the vehicle, officers located the missing juvenile, who was found in the company of a 28-year-old male unrelated to her. The male was taken into custody without further incident.

“The East Ridge Police Department worked closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and this investigation remains active and ongoing,” said Chief Clint Uselton. “While we wish it was never needed, this is a reminder of the force multiplying impact of law enforcement-focused ALPR technology. Within minutes of identifying the suspect vehicle in our community, the immediate, coordinated response of our officers led to a missing child being safely removed from a dangerous situation.”

Because this remains an active, multi-jurisdictional investigation, any additional media questions or information requests regarding the charges and suspect details should be directed to the Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).