Missing Indiana teen found safe in Tennessee

DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. --  A missing 14-year-old from Garrett, Indiana was discovered in Tennessee after prompting a state-wide Silver Alert, according to Indiana State Police.

ISP says Shayden D. Howard, 14, was found safe on May 20 in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

A Silver Alert was issued on Thursday, May 16, after Howard’s parents reported him missing.  The Garrett Police Department and Indiana State Police led the investigation into his disappearance.   

Investigators received information that the teen might be in the company of Larry E. Taylor, 36, from Garrett, Indiana.

Several days into the investigation, authorities in Hamilton County, Tennessee arrested Taylor on a charge of public intoxication but Howard was not immediately identified.

Tennessee officials contacted the DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office to inquire about Taylor’s criminal history and in the process discovered Howard’s Silver Alert and were able to verify his identity.

An arrest warrant for Taylor was issued in DeKalb County on a preliminary charge of kidnapping, a Level 6 Felony. Taylor may face additional charges, authorities say.

According to the press release, Taylor is facing extradition to DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office, Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, Auburn Police Department, Garrett Police Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted in the case which remains under investigation.

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