Authorities are investigating the attempted kidnapping of an 11 year old girl by a 38-year-old Georgia sex offender. On January 30, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued an endangered child warning for Aubriauna Mays, who was last seen in Halls, Knox County.
What Happened to Attempted Kidnapping of 11 Year Old Girl?
Edward Ahrens, a documented violent sex offender, was suspected of abducting the girl and fleeing south on Interstate 75 to Georgia. Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detectives, the Technology Crimes Division and Narcotics Unit, and other Tennessee law enforcement agencies found the suspect’s car with the missing kid at about 1 a.m. on February 2.
Ahrens allegedly disobeyed officials and purposefully hit at least three investigators, causing a violent encounter. Four cops responded and shot Ahrens, who died at a local hospital. Three detectives were hit and treated at the scene with non-life-threatening injuries.
TBI verified that Aubriauna Mays, the youngster, survived the incident, providing respite from the stress. Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk noted that the event highlighted the perils of sexual predators, particularly on social media.
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Convicted Sex Offender’s Release Leads to Tragic Consequences
Ahrens had been convicted of sexual exploitation of children, severe assault, and obstruction of justice before the deadly clash. Ahrens was freed in 2018 after completing part of his 20-year sentence, causing tragedy years later.
The tragedy highlights the necessity for attentive law enforcement and community awareness to protect vulnerable people from violent and exploitative persons.