TBI: Men held Amber Alert subject at gunpoint until officers arrived

He has been charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, but may face more charges based on Carlie’s medical assessment. “My papa found Carlie!’ It’s a miracle from God and he was just at the right place at the right time I guess”, said Ethan Lawson. One of the men in the group held Simpson at gunpoint while another called 911, TBI Director Mark Gwyn said at a news conference.

She was rescued thanks to two “heroes”, Gwyn said.

Hawkins County residents Roger Carpenter, a Baptist minister, and Donnie Lawson made a decision to do just that as they legally armed themselves and proceeded to search a remote wooded area of their property accessible only by all-terrain vehicles.

Authorities said Franklin and Lawson held Simpson at gunpoint while they called authorities. Devine thinks Simpson may be hiding with Trent in a remote location and said property owners in rural areas in and around East Tennessee should be on the lookout.

Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office has released the official warrant for Gary Simpson, who remains in custody. Gwyn said the white van they were searching for was near where the pair was found.

Now that Carlie Trent is in safe hands, investigators and prosecution will conduct follow-up interviews and start building their case. However, Simpson now has no custodial rights to Carlie Trent, authorities said. She said she had no desire to speak to her husband at this point, but she still wants to know why he took her.

Simpson previously had custody of Trent and her younger sister up until recently, when they were returned to their biological father, James Trent.

Gwyn said Carlie appeared to be in good health when law enforcement arrived.

Her aunt, Linda Simpson, was waiting for her, along with Carlie’s sister, Katie. “That always causes red flags to go up when you’re purchasing that kind of stuff for a 9-year-old”.

“In the coming days and weeks, we’ll work with the District Attorney Dan Armstrong to ensure that Gary Simpson is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, Gwyn said.

Carlie Trent was found safe on May 12; one week after an AMBER Alert was issued following her disappearance.

The Washington Post reported that on Thursday, the TBI had added Gary Simpson to its Top 10 Most Wanted list.