A 12-year-old girl escaped in Erwin, North Carolina, after authorities say she was forced into a pickup truck by a 38-year-old man. The girl was reportedly staying at the man’s home with his niece when the alleged abduction occurred on Aug. 16, 2026. She reached a driver near a Division of Motor Vehicles office, who called 911 after finding her distressed and injured. The suspect was arrested hours later and remains held on a $2.5 million secured bond.
Authorities have charged Daniel Gear with first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female. The girl’s identity has not been released.
| 1) | Alleged abduction at a Lillington home |
| 2) | Escape near the Erwin DMV office |
| 3) | Driver calls for emergency help |
| 4) | Manhunt leads to arrest |
| 5) | Charges and upcoming court hearing |
Alleged abduction at a Lillington home
Investigators say the girl was at Daniel Gear’s home in Lillington, a community about 30 miles south of Raleigh, on Aug. 16 while spending time with his niece. According to an arrest warrant, Gear allegedly took the child without the permission of her parents or guardians and intended to terrorize her.
Court records allege that Gear pushed the girl to the ground and restrained her. Authorities said investigators learned at about 1 p.m. that Gear and his pickup truck were no longer at the residence, prompting a search involving the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and Erwin police.
Escape near the Erwin DMV office
Police say the girl escaped after Gear parked his truck near a DMV office in Erwin, approximately 11 miles southeast of Lillington. She reportedly ran from a wooded area toward a nearby roadway and sought help from a passing driver.
The girl was barefoot and appeared to have scratches, according to the driver’s account. She told the driver that she had been kidnapped, allowing emergency responders to be contacted quickly while officers continued searching for Gear.
Driver calls for emergency help
Jennifer Maxwell told investigators and local television reporters that she saw the child emerge from woods near an embankment by the DMV. Maxwell said the girl ran toward her vehicle, dropped into a ditch and was crying uncontrollably.
“I pulled over to her and I rolled down my window, and I was like, ‘Baby, are you okay?’ And she was like, ‘No, I’ve been kidnapped,’” Jennifer Maxwell said.
Maxwell said the girl told her that the man had awakened her during the night and ordered her into his vehicle. She also reported that the girl described being taken into a wooded area, made to walk for several hours, and repeatedly pushed and grabbed by the shoulder.
Manhunt leads to arrest
After receiving the emergency call, deputies and Erwin police officers searched for Gear and used drones and K-9 units. The effort focused on areas around Lillington, Erwin and U.S. Highway 421.
Approximately seven hours after the girl escaped, deputies located Gear in a wooded area along U.S. Highway 421. Officers arrested him without any reported delay. The investigation remains based on allegations contained in the arrest warrant and court records.
Charges and upcoming court hearing
Gear faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female. He is being held in the Harnett County Detention Center on a $2.5 million secured bond.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026. The hearing will address whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed on the charges. The girl has not been publicly identified, and the case remains pending in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The girl allegedly was taken from a home in Lillington on Aug. 16. |
| 2 | She escaped near an Erwin DMV office and alerted a passing driver. |
| 3 | Deputies used drones and K-9 units before finding the suspect along U.S. Highway 421. |
| 4 | Gear faces kidnapping and assault charges and has a Sept. 1 probable cause hearing. |
Summary
The girl’s escape led to an emergency call and a coordinated search by local law enforcement. Gear was arrested several hours later and remains jailed under a substantial secured bond. The allegations will be tested through the court process, beginning with the scheduled probable cause hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the 12-year-old girl?
Authorities say she was forced into a pickup truck and later escaped near a DMV office in Erwin, North Carolina.
Who was arrested?
Daniel Gear, 38, was arrested after deputies found him in a wooded area along U.S. Highway 421.
What charges does Gear face?
He faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and assault on a female. He is being held on a $2.5 million secured bond.
When is the next court hearing?
Gear is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on Sept. 1, 2026.