Missing TC Teen Found Safe, Man Arrested

A 16-year-old Traverse City teenager who was reported missing Friday when she did not return home from school was found safe in Illinois. A 21-year-old man who was with her was arrested and is awaiting extradition.

According to the Traverse City Police Department, authorities responded to a missing person's complaint in the 800 block of Bates Street just before 6pm Friday when a local teenager didn't come home from school. The TCPD said it was suspected that the 16-year-old girl was with a 21-year-old male acquaintance and was possibly traveling to the Chicago area.

With the assistance of Central Dispatch, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, the FBI, Homeland Security, and other law enforcement agencies, both subjects were located safe in Chicago. The man was arrested and is awaiting extradition. The case remains under investigation, according to the TCPD.