Florida Man in Custody in Tennessee in Connection with Missing Teen Case
A Florida man is in custody in East Ridge, Tennessee, after East Ridge Police located a missing 13-year-old girl who had disappeared from North Fort Myers, Florida. The man is being held for Florida authorities.
Chattanooga, TN, September 30, 2026 —
A man from Florida is currently in custody in East Ridge, Tennessee, as authorities investigate the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from North Fort Myers, Florida. The East Ridge Police Department located the missing teenager, leading to the man’s apprehension.
The individual is being held by East Ridge Police and is awaiting transfer or extradition to face charges or assist authorities in Florida. Specific details regarding the man’s identity, the circumstances of the girl’s disappearance, or the exact date of the recovery were not immediately available. The relationship between the man and the 13-year-old girl has not been disclosed by law enforcement.
The case originated in North Fort Myers, Florida, where the girl was reported missing. Law enforcement in Tennessee, specifically the East Ridge Police Department, became involved when the missing individual was located within their jurisdiction. The man was taken into custody in East Ridge as a result of this development.
He is currently being held pending action from Florida authorities. Further information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses and legal proceedings begin in Florida. The current status of the 13-year-old girl, whether she has been reunited with her family or is in protective custody, has not been specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Collins Parker on www.wdef.com, see more information here.
