12-year-old girl kidnapped at sleepover by friend’s uncle, forced into the woods, reports say

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. (Gray News) - A man in North Carolina is accused of kidnapping a 12-year-old girl from a sleepover, according to multiple reports.

Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said deputies arrested Daniel Francis Gear, 38, who they said kidnapped the girl from a home in Lillington.

Jennifer Maxwell said in an interview with WRAL that she was driving home from work Sunday afternoon on U.S. Highway 421 when she saw a young girl suddenly emerge from the woods near the road.

The girl said she was at a sleepover at her friend’s house when Gear woke her up. Neighbors said that Gear’s niece, who lives at the home, and the victim are friends and live next door to each other, WNCN reported.

Gear allegedly told her to get into his truck, and they drove to a wooded area where “he made her get out.” At some point, the girl escaped and ran toward the road, where Maxwell found her.

She took the girl to the Erwin Police Department where police took her to get help. She also showed deputies where she found her.

Gear’s car was found in the area, but there was no sign of him when they searched the car, WRAL reported.

The girl was taken to the hospital, but has since been released and is now recovering with her family.

Gear is charged with first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female. He remains at the Harnett County Jail on a $2.5 million bond.

His next court date is set for Sept. 1.