Carlie Trent rescuers lauded as heroes

After more than a week, the nationwide search for Carlie Trent is over. “We’re just happy and excited that she’s OK”, Linda Simpson said.

TBI released photos Tuesday of items purchased by Gary Simpson at a Walmart in Rogersville before picking-up Carlie Trent from school. They had last been seen in a white 2002 Dodge Conversion van with license plate 173-GPS.

Gwyn said the two men, who he called heroes, spotted the two while searching in a remote area. Authorities say one man held Simpson at gunpoint while the other rescued Carlie and dialed 911.

They were located in a rural area with very limited cell phone service. The road is accessible only by a four-wheeler.

He has now been “arrested and charged with especially aggravated kidnapping”. She appeared physically well when she was rescued from her captor and uncle, Gary Simpson.

Franklin and Lawson found them in rough terrain in Hawkins County, according to CNN. Carpenter did correct reports by saying none of the men involved were ministers.

“We’ve been in the woods every day, searching”. They were not found at a campground.

Watch the interview with Carpenter here.

“If this was her, I’d want everyone of you all out there looking for her”, he said.

“He gave us a clue”, he said. “Thank God we went back”.

They returned to the Gravelly Valley area Thursday around 1 pm, to search again.

“Thank God they found her!”

“I took the day off Sunday to worship and I took my grandkid to Dollywood and I felt guilty”, Carpenter said. “I’m no hero by no means”. “I’m an old country boy, raise cattle”.

“[Yesterday] we couldn’t find any tire marks.It was surprising that he had got where he was”, Carpenter said.

Now that Carlie Trent is in safe hands, investigators and prosecution will conduct follow-up interviews and start building their case. Simpson said she has not had contact with her husband and she is angry with him, but her main thought is happiness that Carlie was found. They said Gary Simpson has no custodial rights to Carlie Trent.

Franklin said his own two daughters inspired his search efforts. The families live close to one another in rural Hawkins County. “You can tell a lot by the way someone moves and by the way someone walks and we’re hoping that will be an additional piece of information that will help the public recognize them”. “I think it worked, because the public is who rescued Carlie”.

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

“Carlie is safe tonight because an entire community pulled together and worked with law enforcement to bring her home”, Gwyn said.

DeVine said Wednesday morning he has heard some disturbing rumors on social media that if Simpson was trying to protect Carlie Trent.

During the TBI press conference reporters asked Gwyn if issuing the Amber Alert helped TBI find Carlie, since the majority of the tips turned out to be unfounded.

Earlier Thursday, the TBI had added Simpson to its Top 10 Most Wanted list and warned that Carlie was in imminent danger. He may face additional charges.