HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A 12-year-old girl who went missing from the Mt. Airy area Thursday, May 21, was safely recovered in eastern Florida after investigators used license plate reader technology and cross-agency coordination, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies began an on-scene search after the girl was reported missing and determined she had left with an individual in a vehicle that may have been headed toward the Georgia coast.
Investigators obtained the vehicle’s license plate information and entered it into the Flock Safety license plate reader system while also initiating cell phone location pings.
Authorities later received matching location data showing both the vehicle and the phone in the Daytona Beach, Florida, area.
Lt. Justin Williams of the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office contacted a counterpart with the Daytona Beach Police Department, a connection he made through participation in the annual Police Unity Tour bicycle ride honoring fallen officers.
Williams provided vehicle details, direction of travel and the last known location to Daytona Beach officers.
“Within 15 minutes, they had the vehicle stopped and had confirmed that the female was safe and the driver was in custody,” Williams said.
The Police Unity Tour is a 300-mile bicycle ride from Norfolk, Virginia, to Washington, D.C., ending at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
“This is what Flock Safety is designed for,” said Habersham County Sheriff Robin Krockum. “Flock LPR cameras only capture vehicle data and do not collect personal information, facial recognition, or anything tied to individuals. But today a 12-year-old is back safe with her family thanks to our ability to access vehicle information through that system.”
The suspect, identified as Tyler Williamson, is charged with interstate interference with custody. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.
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