A Harnett County girl, 12, managed to flee an alleged abductor after being forced into his pickup truck earlier this month, law enforcement officials said. The suspect, identified in booking records as 38-year-old Daniel Gear, has been charged in the case, according to local reports.
How investigators say the abduction unfolded
County investigators say the girl was at Gear’s home on Aug. 16, where she had been spending time with his niece. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office reported that Gear took the girl from the residence without parental consent and allegedly restrained and pushed her during the incident. Authorities say he intended to "terrorize" the child, according to the arrest warrant reviewed by local media.
After the girl was taken, deputies discovered that Gear and his pickup truck were missing from his Lillington property. Law enforcement then launched a search that involved both Harnett County Sheriff’s deputies and Erwin police.
Escape at DMV parking area, civilian helps
Investigators say the girl escaped while Gear had parked his vehicle at a North Carolina DMV office in Erwin, roughly 11 miles southeast of Lillington. She ran from a wooded area beside a law office and was later found by a passing motorist, who provided assistance and notified police.
"I was almost at the DMV right there at the wooded area beside the lawyer's office, and all of a sudden, this little girl came running out of the woods and down the embankment,"
Jennifer Maxwell, the driver who encountered the child, described the girl as hysterical and collapsing into a ditch. Maxwell spoke about the encounter with WRAL, recounting how she saw the child emerge from the woods and immediately sought to help.
Search and arrest
Authorities in Harnett County and Erwin used multiple resources in the search for Gear after the victim was initially missing. The response included:
- Drones to survey areas that were difficult to reach on foot
- K-9 units to track possible movements and scent trails
- Cooperation between Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and Erwin Police Department
Officials later located Gear and took him into custody. Booking photographs released by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office show the man charged in connection with the incident. Local outlets reported Gear faces kidnapping and assault-related charges.
Community impact and next steps
The case has underscored concerns about child safety in small towns across the region. The victim was not publicly identified by authorities, as is typical in cases involving minors. Investigators continue to review evidence and details surrounding how the alleged abduction occurred and whether others had knowledge of the incident.
County law enforcement officials have not released additional information about the pending court process, bail status, or scheduled hearings at this time. Prosecutors will determine formal charges and how the case moves forward in court.
Timeline (as reported)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 16 | Girl reportedly taken from Daniel Gear’s home in Lillington; Gear and his truck missing later that day |
| Aug. 16 (afternoon) | Girl escaped while suspect parked at DMV office in Erwin; encountered by motorist Jennifer Maxwell |
| Following escape | Harnett County deputies and Erwin police conducted a manhunt using drones and K-9 units; Gear later arrested |
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office. Officials have emphasized the importance of quick public reporting in cases involving missing or endangered children.
This incident follows a pattern of heightened attention on child safety and community responses in the region. Law enforcement leaders continue to encourage parents and guardians to discuss safety plans with children — including how to seek help and locate trusted adults — and to report suspicious activity immediately.
Further developments, including formal charging documents and court dates, will be reported as they become available.
