Kidnapped 13-Year-Old Rescued By Canton Officer During Traffic Stop: Police

CANTON, GA — A Canton police officer rescued a kidnapped 13-year-old girl during a traffic stop, according to police.

The officer pulled over a van near Railroad Street just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday over a cell phone use, but police said the officer quickly realized it was something much more serious. The 16-year-old female driver was arrested and charged with human trafficking and kidnapping, police said.

When asked for identification, the female driver could not provide a driver's license or identification, leading the officer to obtain her name and date of birth.

The officer ran the registration and learned the van had been stolen from a taxi company in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also found THC-type vape pens, other vape-related products, and a large amount of lingerie, police said.

Investigators determined the female passenger was a 13-year-old who was a victim of human trafficking and kidnapping, police said, and officers and detectives determined the driver was taking the victim to another state.

The 16-year-old is currently in custody at a regional youth detention center, police said, and the victim has been reunited with her family.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the exceptional work of our Officers and Detectives in this case. By taking a routine traffic stop and conducting an exceptional investigation, members of the Canton Police Department forever changed a young girl’s life for the better, “ said Canton Chief of Police Stephen Merrifield.