Attorney: Missing teacher's boyfriend ‘is not on the run'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The attorney of Angelo Smith, the boyfriend of Bianca Tanner, who has been missing for more than two weeks, says his client is not in Charlotte.

Kenneth Snow said Smith is in the process of making arrangements to turn himself in on a warrant for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, Snow said in an exclusive interview with Channel 9. 

"Mr. Smith is not on the run," Snow said. "He recently found out about the warrant. We've been in contact with him over the last several days."

Snow said he won't know the details of the warrant until it's been served. Sources told Channel 9 the charge involves Tanner's 3-year old son. 

Police said Smith reported Tanner missing more than two weeks ago.

He claims she left their Druid Circle apartment after an argument and never returned.

"We understand this is a very trying time for them -- a very trying time.  So our hearts do go out to the family," Snow said.

The search for Tanner is now a homicide investigation. Smith has not been named as a suspect in the case but his attorney said Smith had gotten negative comments on social media and is concerned for his safety.

"He decided, with his family, that it was better for him to leave Mecklenburg County," said Snow.

Tanner's family told Channel 9 that Smith is not being forthcoming in the investigation into her disappearance.  Sources said he's not cooperating.  Channel 9 asked Attorney Snow, "Is Angelo willing to talk to police?"

Snow said, "He's been in contact with police at least three or four times and at one point he had an interview that lasted for a number of hours."

There is still no sign of Tanner. Her family is raising money for a private investigator as they continue their search for her and for answers.

Channel 9 asked "Does Angelo know where Bianca is?"

His attorney said, "He's talked with police several times in relation to where Miss Tanner is and I think he's done so to the best of his ability. So we will allow the police and investigators to continue to do their job."

Channel 9 also asked Snow about information in search warrants that reveal Tanner's 3-year-old son told police Smith spanked his mom with a belt, kicked her butt and made her cry.

Smith's attorney said he couldn't comment on the police investigation and said his client has provided his own statements to investigators about their relationship.

WSOC