Amber Alert: Reward raised to $12,500 in abduction case, video released

GASTONIA, N.C. — An Amber Alert has been issued for a 9-year-old Tennessee girl police said was kidnapped by her uncle, and they could be heading to North Carolina.

Investigators said Carlie Trent's uncle took her out of school without permission Wednesday.

Gary Simpson, 57, does not have any custodial rights and he is believed to be driving a white Dodge Caravan with a dark stripe down the middle and Tennessee plates 173-GPS.

Police in Boone said there was a possible sighting in Mountain City heading towards Boone.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $2,500 reward for the safe return of Trent and for information leading to the apprehension of Simpson.

On Saturday, Carlie’s pediatrician, Dr. Chris Calendine, informed the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation he will offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the safe recovery of the child.

On Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released surveillance video from a Rogersville grocery story, captured shortly after Simpson picked up the girl from her school.

Call the Rogersville Police Department at 423-272-7555 if you have information.

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