TAYLOR, Texas — An 8-year-old girl reported missing from Taylor Wednesday night has been found safe.
Prior to being found, authorities said the girl had last been seen at around 7:45 p.m. in the area of 5091 FM 973 in Taylor. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) said at around 8:20 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the area to try to find her. All available resources were contacted, and numerous law enforcement agencies attempted to track the using K9s and air support. The search continued Thursday morning.
Authorities believed the girl was in grave or immediate danger.
On Thursday afternoon, the WCSO said in a joint effort with the Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers and the FBI, the girl had been safely located earlier in the day. The WCSO said upon investigation, it was determined that the girl had not been abducted but had voluntarily left her home.
The WCSO said a rancher, located approximately two miles from the girl's home, spotted her in a field and called 911.
"The circumstances surrounding the runaway led us to seek assistance from our law enforcement partners. We approach matters involving missing children with utmost seriousness, erring on the side of caution," Commander John Foster with the WCSO's Criminal Investigations Division said. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the community, and particularly to the observant rancher, for their support throughout this incident."
