OHP Troopers Arrest Suspects In Kidnapping Of Missouri Girl

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers arrested two men on Monday in connection with the kidnapping of a Missouri child.

Tuesday, February 18th 2014, 10:18 am

By: News 9


Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers arrested two men on Monday in connection with the kidnapping of a Missouri child.

Authorities say 11-year-old Danielle Smith was taken from Marionville Elementary School in Aurora, Missouri, Monday morning, and the suspect was her non-custodial father, 46-year-old Andrew Smith of Arizona.

Aurora police requested OHP troopers' help with the case. Troopers across the state went into action immediately to locate the suspect's vehicle. By 12 p.m., OHP investigators learned the suspect was in communication with his ex-wife, and was possibly in the Tulsa area.

Just before 2 p.m., troopers say they spotted the suspect's brother, Oliver Smith, near Wellston and stopped his vehicle. Oliver Smith was taken into custody and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges of kidnapping. His mug shot is not available at this time.

Following this arrest, investigators say they learned that the suspect had possibly rented a car in Tulsa to avoid detection by police.

After further investigation, troopers narrowed the focus of the manhunt to search area Crackerbarrel restaurants and a Flying J truck stop on I-35 north of Oklahoma City, where the suspect had parked his personal vehicle while on his way to Missouri.

At about 5:30 p.m., troopers found the suspect's rental car at the Crackerbarrel restaurant at 122nd and I-35 near the Turner Turnpike gate in Oklahoma City, across the street from the Flying J truck stop, according to the OHP.

Smith was taken into custody and booked into Oklahoma County jail on kidnapping charges. Aurora police say Smith has abducted Danielle Smith in the past and has shown a history of abuse.

Troopers took the child into protective custody and reunited her with her mother Monday evening, according to the OHP. She was not injured.

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