Police call off search for girl spotted wandering Locust in frigid temps

LOCUST, N.C. — Emergency crews used K-9s and thermal imaging equipment to search for a child missing overnight in Stanly County and police were very concerned, as temperatures plunged into the 30s.

Police in Locust sent out an automated call to residents about the missing girl.

Officers received a call at about 3:30 a.m. that said both a Walmart employee and a McDonald's employee spotted the child wandering near the Walmart on West Main Street.

They approached the girl but said she told them, "Get away from me," and ran off.

Officials said the missing girl is white, between 8-12 years old and has blonde hair with a ponytail. They said she was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and may be carrying a pink duffel bag.

Around 7 a.m., authorities told Channel 9 that they had "exhausted all efforts" in their search and were calling it off.

Nobody has reported a missing child and police are asking parents to check on their children.

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