KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After an East Tennessee child was abducted by a man she met on social media, we spoke with experts about how parents can protect children from online threats.
An 11-year-old Knox County girl was reported missing last Tuesday. She was located near the Tennessee-Georgia state line Thursday night. A 38-year-old suspect in the disappearance, identified as Edward Ahrens , was shot and killed after a confrontation with police.
Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk told reporters that Ahrens lured the girl through social media.
New details on suspect in Knox County girl’s disappearance
Sheen Johnson, assistant director of Family Treatment Services at the McNabb Center said perpetrators have distinct personality traits.
“The predatory type personality may be very charming, may be giving a lot of attention to the children,” Johnson said. “They may mention going on a trip or getting them gifts.”
Lisa Bolton with the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking believes it’s important for parents to communicate early and often. Bolton recommends communicating at least once a month.