MPD Makes An Arrest and Saves Kidnapped Child From Tennessee

Update from MPD ..

Last night at 1030pm officers responded to the area of 519 Azalea Dr. to attempt to locate two vehicles that were connected to a kidnapping out of Hamilton County Tennessee. Officers located the vehicle and where able to figure out which room they were staying in. Upon checking the room officers found the 15 year old female juvenile along with the suspect Johnathan Salazar (32 years old). Two other occupants in the room were detained and later released.

The juvenile and suspect had been communicating though social media and juvenile thought Salazar was 18 years old.

The juvenile has been released to Hamilton County deputies to be returned home. Salazar with been detained locally until the extradition process is completed.

Salazar will be charged with aggravated kidnapping, trafficking for commercial sex act, and solicitation of a minor in Tennessee.

Hats off to the men and women who wear the blue in the Meridian Police Department. Officers received a BOLO from Tennessee of a kidnapped child/juvenile in the Meridian area last night. The department traced the description of the vehicle to a motel near Sam's Club and were able to move and and make an arrest without incident. More to follow as details become available.