Authorities charge man with kidnapping of runaway teen

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) – A 19-year-old is being sought by authorities on a kidnapping charge.

According to a joint statement from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Office, 14-year-old Rylee Crane ran away from her home on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Authorities said she had been with David Tyler Jones, of Smithville, both of whom evaded law enforcement until she was found on Thursday, Sept 10.

That Monday, the pair had even fled on foot following a wreck.

Her recovery came shortly after law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for Jones.

Law enforcement had spoken with Jones Wednesday by phone, informing him that if Crane was not brought back to her family, he would be charged with kidnapping.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said that Jones is believed to be in the Bethlehem community.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Monroe County 911 Emergency at (662) 369-3683 or Itawamba County at (662) 862-1911.