Girl abducted from Zimmerman found safe, suspect in custody, authorities say

A man suspected of abducting a 7-year-old girl in central Minnesota on Wednesday is in custody and the child is safe, authorities said.

Commander Ben Zawacki said the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office got a call about the missing girl in Zimmerman just after 6:30 p.m. She was supposed to get off of a school bus at 4 p.m., but there was "miscommunication amongst family" about her whereabouts, Zawacki said.

The girl's disappearance did not yet meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, Zawacki said, but an alert for assistance in the search was sent to Sherburne County residents.

Authorities came to believe she "was a victim of a stranger abduction," Zawacki said, and a suspect and suspect vehicle were identified. An Amber Alert was subsequently issued.

Just before 1 a.m., the suspect car was found, the suspect was arrested and the girl was found safe in Albert Lea, Minnesota, according to Zawacki. She was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. She was later reunited with her family.

While the suspect had no direct contact with the girl prior to the alleged abduction, there was "a social media tie," Zawacki said.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said the 27-year-old suspect is an "evil individual" with "no significant criminal history."

About 200 public safety personnel, most of whom were not on duty, and 700 volunteers aided in the search for the girl, authorities said.

The investigation is ongoing and the suspect has not yet been charged.