This disturbing event that left the community on edge was on its way to becoming every parent’s worst nightmare, but thanks to the officers’ response to the situation, the girl was reunited with her family.
Authorities have arrested a 48-year-old man, Willie T., on charges of child trafficking and se-ual assault. He is alleged to have kidnapped a 16-year-old girl.
Court records indicate that Willie is accused of se-ually assaulting the minor. The victim’s statement in the police report indicates Willie wanted to engage in se-ual acts with her, to which she responded, “Please don’t.”
Thompson told authorities that he believed the victim was 18, based on her own claims, and denied the allegation of ra-e, claiming she agreed to having intercourse with him.
On July 25th, the girl was taken from a gas station on I-35 and east Oltorf Street. Reports state that she had been missing since July 21st. She was then reportedly taken to a house on Bethune Avenue. There, she was allegedly subjected to drugs and se-ually assaulted by Willie and another individual.
Later, the police responded to a welfare check at a Lowe’s on Shoal Creek Boulevard. The girl informed the police that she had been kidnapped but had managed to flee. Officer Cody C. stated, “One was in the store with her, the other two were in the parking lot.”
Officer Calli W., in a press conference, detailed how the victim escaped: “She convinced them to let her go inside the store. She said she needed to use the restroom. Once inside the store, she found a place to hide. She made contact with some of the employees there, and they helped her. She made contact with her mom, who advised her to call 911, and that’s how we got involved.”
The police were given a description of the suspects by the victim. Willie was identified, and two suspects were found in the parking lot. They attempted to leave when approached by an officer, but were stopped and detained. Officer Rachel S. highlighted the importance of the victim’s detailed description and her timely call to 911 in the swift response.
According to the records, the girl experienced a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital. She was subsequently reunited with her family. There are ongoing charges against the other suspects.
Officer Calli W. commended the victim, stating, “This little girl was very brave. She did everything she wa supposed to.”