Anyone with information should call 1-800-TBI-FIND
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is searching remote areas for a missing 9-year-old Rogersville girl.
TBI issued an Amber Alert for Carlie Marie Trent last Thursday morning, and authorities are still searching for her as of noon Friday. Trent is believed to be with her uncle, Gary Simpson, who pulled her from class Wednesday under false pretenses. Simpson does not have custody of Trent, though he did in the past.
The TBI believes Trent and Simpson could be in a white Dodge van with the Tennessee license plate 173GPS.
The TBI released new video footage on Friday of Trent's uncle Gary Simpson at the Walmart in Rogersville. They said on that shopping trip, Simpson bought items that could indicate he was planning to camp.
NEW PICTURES: He often wears a hat, so we want you to see these new images of Gary Simpson. #BringCarlieHome pic.twitter.com/pJVt7gExAy
— TBI (@TBInvestigation) May 10, 2016
Here are the items the TBI says Simpson purchased at Walmart before picking up Carlie from school.
Here are items Gary Simpson purchased, before taking Carlie from her school May 4th. #BringCarlieHome pic.twitter.com/fGuVw7LSsZ
— TBI (@TBInvestigation) May 10, 2016
The video is the last known sighting of Simpson, captured shortly before he picked Trent up at school. There have been no credible reports of anyone seeing the two since the abduction.
TBI officials said they believe the two "may not be in public view and may be located in a campground, state park, or other isolated area."
"We need the public to remain vigilant," said Josh DeVine, TBI spokesperson, particularly in campgrounds, state parks, or rural areas.
TBI is asking all campground owners and visitors to watch for anything suspicious.
At a press conference Friday afternoon, DeVine provided some further clarification on custody questions.
At one point, Simpson had custody of Carlie, but the court had recently transferred custody back to Carlie's biological father.
It doesn't appear that the father informed the school about the change in Carlie's custody.
Steve Starnes, Director of Schools for Hawkins County, said that Simpson was designated in writing as having the authority to pick up Callie from school, and that he'd picked here up before.
"The school secretary checked the child's emergency card and verified that Mr. Simpson had permission to sign the child out from school," said Starnes in a statement. "Additionally, documentation on file at the school listed Mr. Simpson as a legal guardian."
"It appears in this situation the school did everything right," said DeVine.
Anyone with information on Trent's whereabouts is asked to call the TBI at 1(800)TBI-FIND. They'd also like to hear from anyone who had any interaction with the two before the abduction, who may be able to shed light on Simpson's motives for taking Carlie.
Simpson does not have a criminal record.
TBI said while the Amber Alert has not been extended beyond East and Middle Tennessee, investigators have been in contact with authorities in other states.
Simpson is Carlie's uncle by marriage.
Trent is 4’8” and has blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and gray tank top with blue jeans, according to a TBI release.
Simpson is 57, and has balding brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown cap, dark colored shirt and jeans.
According to the TBI, Simpson was last seen driving a white 2002 Dodge Conversion Van with Tennessee registration 173GPS. The van has a dark stripe down the middle with light gold running boards and chipping paint on the hood.
No word on where they might be.
Officials ask anyone that has seen the child, subject or van to call Rogersville Police Department at 423-272-7555 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.