Joseph Andrew Bragg, 28, was arrested after authorities say he abducted a 7-year-old girl in Zimmerman, Minn., shortly after she exited her school bus on Jan. 21. Family members reported the child missing at about 6:30 p.m.; an Amber Alert was issued at 11:40 p.m. Investigators identified a white Dodge Ram as the suspect vehicle, and Freeborn County officers located the vehicle and found the girl safe about 30 minutes after a law enforcement bulletin. Bragg was arrested and the SCSO is continuing its investigation.
Man Arrested After Alleged Abduction Of 7-Year-Old Who Had Just Exited School Bus
Sherburne County Sheriff's OfficeJoseph Andrew Bragg
Joseph Andrew Bragg, 28, was arrested and charged after authorities say he abducted a 7-year-old girl in Zimmerman, Minnesota, on Jan. 21, the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) reported.
Incident and Search
According to the SCSO, the child was taken at about 4:00 p.m.6:30 p.m., prompting an extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and community volunteers.
“An extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and the public didn’t reveal her whereabouts, and investigators had no corroboration that she had potentially left the area in a vehicle until hours later,” SCSO Commander Ben Zawacki said in a press release.
Alerts and Investigation
Officials issued a community notification about the missing child just after 9:30 p.m. that evening. Investigators later ruled out an initial report about a black passenger car following the bus. At 11:40 p.m., an Amber Alert was issued after evidence suggested the girl had likely been abducted.
Sherburne County Sheriff's OfficeJoseph Andrew Bragg
Detectives identified a white Dodge Ram as the suspected vehicle through investigative leads and technology. An emergency bulletin notifying law enforcement agencies went out at about 12:30 a.m.
Recovery and Arrest
Roughly 30 minutes after the bulletin, Freeborn County officers located the Dodge Ram and found the 7-year-old inside. Authorities said the child was safe and Bragg was taken into custody at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reaction
Law enforcement told reporters that Bragg did not have a significant prior criminal history. Investigators also said several local mothers reported that Bragg had contacted them on social media after replying to an online search for a nanny or babysitter. The SCSO is looking into why Bragg traveled to Zimmerman and how he selected the child.
GettyPolice car (stock image)
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans called the incident “every family’s worst nightmare” and urged parents to speak with children about how to handle strangers both in person and online, and to review school pickup procedures.
The SCSO credited the rapid response of law enforcement and the community for the safe recovery and said the investigation remains active.
Note: The suspect is charged and allegations remain to be proven in court.
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