Loved Ones Speak Out After Abducted Ardmore Girl Found Alive

Sunday morning police acted on an anonymous tip regarding the suspect in the Ardmore abduction case. They found the 7-year-old girl in the suspect's Marietta home on the 600 block of 5th Street around 9:30 a.m. Sunday. 

Officers arrested 34-year-old Fount Duston and booked him into the Carter County Jail on kidnapping and first-degree rape charges.

The girl was taken to a medical facility Sunday. Police said the girl's mother was at the medical facility with her. As she was treated and interviewed, the rest of her family and friends waited in their neighborhood for her return.

“At least God brought my baby home. She's coming home,” said the girl's father. “We've had a lot of people and family out looking for my daughter and thank God they found her and she's OK.”

Witnesses told police the suspect showed up to the victim's neighborhood on the 800 block of NW “H” St. Saturday afternoon while she was out playing, forced her into his car and took off.

11/8/2014 Related Story: Ardmore Police Arrest Amber Alert Suspect For Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

“It just shouldn't have happened. It shouldn't have happened at all,” the father said. “Children should not have to go through that.”

The Amber Alert went out on Saturday evening. Agencies from all over the state teamed up to search for her.

“Obviously, as police officers, when we have these types of calls, they're our worst nightmare too. We want to find them as quick as we can. We understand what the statistics say about abductions,” said Capt. Eric Hamblin with Ardmore Police Department.

Knowing these kinds of cases don't often end well, her family is relieved she's at least OK.

“We're lucky that she was found in the situation she was found in and that she's still alive,” the father said.

And knowing she's safe, her family said they need prayers for her recovery.

“We know she's probably been traumatized and we just want complete healing,” said Gaylon Taylor, a relative of the victim.

Police do not believe the suspect knew the victim or the victim's family. Investigators anticipate additional charges to be filed this week.