A 13-year-old girl reported missing from Louisiana was found safe in North Texas after an overnight search, and officials say the suspect linked to her disappearance has been arrested. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said the case began when the teen was reported missing from the 6200 block of Bain Boulevard in Keithville and was believed to be with 18-year-old Daniel Vasquez Mejia.
Authorities said the discovery came after investigators tracked leads tied to a white 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe with Texas license plates. The vehicle had reportedly been seen in the area when the girl disappeared, which helped detectives connect the case to Texas.
How investigators located the teen
Louisiana detectives later learned the suspect vehicle may have been heading back to Texas on Thursday evening, prompting a request for an AMBER Alert through the Texas Department of Public Safety. After the alert was issued, investigators received tips that pointed them to Allen, Texas.
Officials said one of the leads came from a man who told investigators he drove the suspect to a home in the Copeville area where the teen was taken. That man then gave Allen police the address, and authorities found both the missing girl and Vasquez Mejia.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said the teen was found safe and is now in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Officials are working to arrange her return to her family while the investigation continues.
Charges and next steps
Vasquez Mejia was arrested by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of harboring a runaway, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. Louisiana authorities have also obtained a warrant for simple kidnapping under state law.
Because the case crossed state lines, the FBI has been notified, and officials said additional charges may still be filed. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to piece together the movements of the suspect and the circumstances that led to the girl’s recovery.
