Missing Child Found Safe in Fort Lauderdale; Man Arrested After Teen Taken from Bradenton
A Florida Missing Child Alert for 17-year-old Gisselle Diaz-Maldonado of Bradenton was canceled Thursday morning after she was located safe in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Diaz-Maldonado was reported missing earlier in the week, prompting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to issue a statewide alert. Investigators say the teen met a 23-year-old man online, who is now facing charges for taking her from her guardian’s custody without consent.
The teen was last seen in Bradenton on Tuesday before being found in South Florida. Detectives said they are continuing to investigate how the two met and are expected to learn more after speaking with Diaz-Maldonado.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or specific charges pending further investigation. The Bradenton Police Department thanked the public and law enforcement partners for their assistance in safely locating the teen.
