SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A 12-year-old girl who was reported missing Tuesday in the Woodruff area of Spartanburg County was found safe Wednesday in Independence County, Arkansas, officials said, and a local man was arrested on a kidnapping charge.
Authorities said the child was located at a home in Independence County and remained in protective custody there Wednesday evening while receiving medical and behavioral evaluations before a planned return to South Carolina.
Arrest made at Arkansas residence
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office investigators identified Brandon Lee Britten, 31, as a suspect and said he was taken into custody at the Arkansas residence where the girl was found. Spartanburg County authorities obtained a warrant charging Britten with kidnapping; Sheriff Chuck Wright said additional charges could be filed in South Carolina and Arkansas as the probe continues.
Investigators said the girl had been targeted through social media and that the suspected abductor had spent time cultivating her trust — a process law enforcement described as "grooming." Officials stressed the vulnerability of children online and urged parents to monitor their children’s social media interactions.
"This is a child. These predators prey on our children," Sheriff Wright said.
How investigators tracked the vehicle
Sheriff’s officials described a focused, two-day search. The girl was reported missing at about 5:47 p.m. Tuesday after being last seen in the Woodruff area. Surveillance video captured her in a parking lot shortly after 4 p.m. and showed her entering a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu at about 4:25 p.m. that then traveled north on South Carolina Highway 101.
Law enforcement canvassed businesses and residences along the highway, seeking additional video to identify the vehicle and license plate. Investigators said a Flock Safety camera — part of a network that captures vehicle images and license plates — provided a crucial image of the Malibu around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, which led them to the Arkansas home where the girl was located.
Timeline
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| About 4:00 p.m., Tuesday | Surveillance shows the girl in a Woodruff-area parking lot |
| About 4:25 p.m., Tuesday | Video shows her entering a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu |
| 5:47 p.m., Tuesday | Girl reported missing to Spartanburg County authorities |
| About 3:20 p.m., Wednesday | Flock Safety camera yields image of the Malibu; investigators follow lead to Arkansas |
Law enforcement response and next steps
Sheriff Wright said between 10 and 15 deputies and investigators canvassed the highway corridor, contacting businesses and residents to locate additional camera footage. Authorities have not publicly disclosed how long the girl had been communicating with the suspect or whether she sustained physical injuries.
The girl was to undergo physical and mental health evaluations in Arkansas before arrangements are made for her to return to South Carolina. Investigators did not share specifics about the Arkansas residence, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the child’s privacy.
What officials urge parents to do
Officials emphasized caution for families with minors who use social media. While investigators continue to determine the scope of the communication between the girl and the suspect, the sheriff’s office urged parents to review privacy settings, monitor friend lists and be alert to early signs of grooming — tactics by which an adult builds an inappropriate relationship with a minor to manipulate or exploit them.
- Monitor your child’s online contacts and the apps they use.
- Check privacy settings and limit interactions to known acquaintances.
- Talk with children about not accepting rides from strangers or meeting online contacts in person without an adult present.
As authorities continue to investigate, Spartanburg County officials said they will coordinate with Arkansas law enforcement on any additional charges and follow-up needed to close the case and protect the child involved.
(Cole Beaumont is the state correspondent for WE NEWS.)
