The Little Elm Police Department have now arrested a man tied to what they say was the aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old teen that was reported missing last weekend.
The 16-year-old had been missing since she walked from her parents' home on Abby Creek Drive in South Paloma Creek at 5:30 Sunday evening.
Police say an extensive search including foot patrols, vehicle grid searches, drones and tracking dogs ensued. Detectives were then led to Richard S. Laird of San Antonio, now a truck driver based out of southeast Dallas. Detectives learned Laird had communicated online with the teen before her disappearance.
Police were able to track Laird's truck and found the teen inside the truck’s cab and offered assistance when Laird returned to the truck and was subsequently arrested.
Laird is now in Denton County Jail on the charge of aggravated kidnapping. His bond was set at $500,000. Police say there are also nine additional warrants for the sexual assault of a child he has not yet been arraigned on.
The teen is safe and has been reunited with her family after being medically evaluated and cleared.
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