FLINT (WWJ) -- Authorities say a teenage girl who set off a search after leaving school with a much older man this week has been found safe.
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday asked for the public's help to find 15-year old Norreana Horton, who went missing after getting into an SUV with a 54-year-old man with a notable criminal history.
Officials said they were concerned for Horton's safety, and they were tracking a black 2011 Chevy Tahoe owned by Robert Tramble.
Investigators said Horton had a "burner phone," and may have been communicating with Tramble.
Sheriff Chris Swanson said it is believe that this man, who spent time in prison years ago for convictions on murder, robbery and weapons charges, could be a danger to the teen.
"We do know that there was no force getting into the vehicle," Swanson said. "But because she is 15 and cannot legally have consent, we don't know what's happening."
"I'm hoping she's not in any danger physically; that nothing's taken place so far...But there may be a danger," Swanson added. "We don't know yet, but we're we're putting it all together to find out."
The sheriff's office said investigators did track the vehicle, and were searching various areas northeast of Flint.
Officials noted that Horton is a ward of the State of Michigan.
"She was being overseen by a foster family," Swanson explained. "And when this 15-year-old did not report to school on Tuesday, that's what prompted Genesee Township to be notified, and we were brought in to help with search warrants."
The sheriff urged Tramble to "do the right thing," and turn himself in.
"You have with you a 15-year-old — whether it's a missing, a runaway, or kidnapped, we don't know that," Swanson said. "But we're treating it as such, which is why we need you to come forward."
In an update, officials said the teen was "located safe," but did not release any details as to where or under what circumstances.
It's unclear at this time what charges Tramble may face.
The sheriff's office added, in a Facebook post: "All related parties are being processed by our GHOST operators. Thank you to the community and our media partners for help in this successful investigation."
More on today's top stories:
