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*This article has been changed to reflect new information released*
The Houston Police Department successfully found 12 year-old E'minie Hughes unharmed in Columbus after being missing for over a week according to the HPD Twitter account.
On March 1 just before 1 p.m., the Columbus Police Department learned that the subject of an AMBER Alert was potentially within city limits according to a press release by CPD.
After a short investigation, the Police Department found the party allegedly responsible for the 12-year-olds disapearance. Sirterryon Preston, 27, was approached with intent for arrest just outside of a Shell gas station at 2213 Hwy 7. Preston attempted to flee police custody before being captured and detained by police.
The alleged suspect was charged with evading arrest and taken to the Colorado County Detention Facility. The FBI will continue an investigation to determine other applicable charges. The FBI, the Sheriff's Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety all assisted CPD in the rescue operation.
E'minie was recovered and taken to the Texas Children's Hospital to be evaluated for damages.
E'minie was first reported to be missing on Feb. 23 after last being seen the prior day allegedley leaving her home and entering a "dark Dodge Ram."
Despite the first report coming in on Friday, Feb. 23, an AMBER Alert was not issued by the police until Wednesday, Feb. 28 after additional interviews led to new information that heightened the urgency of her situation.
According to previous reports, the Houston Police Department expressed concern that E'minie may have been a trafficking victim.
HPD reported that the child may have been on the adult social media app "Tagged", though never clarified the potential connection to her disappearance.
