Denton Runaway Located at Tractor Supply; One Arrested

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Fairfield Police and the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a female juvenile, considered as a runaway, believed to be traveling through the area in a white Ford pickup.

The Denton County Sheriff’s Department reported to both agencies that they were tracking the juvenile’s cell phone, which appeared to be located at the Whataburger in Fairfield.

Fairfield Police officers checked the area but were unable to locate the reported vehicle.

Minutes later, officers from both agencies were dispatched to the Tractor Supply in Fairfield, on an unrelated call.

FCSO deputies arrived to assist FPD, and while on scene a white Ford pickup was observed in the parking lot. Officers contacted the three subjects inside the vehicle that matched the description of the suspected vehicle from earlier.

Three individuals were located at the scene and quickly confirmed that the 15-year-old juvenile was located inside the vehicle.

Two subjects were identified as Riley Cole Smith and an unnamed 17-year-old male, stated they were traveling to Houston to meet friends. After a consent to search was obtained, Fairfield police officers that led to the arrest of Smith – for possession of child pornography. The 17-year-old male was released at the scene, and the female juvenile was transported back to Denton County and released to her family.

The Fairfield Police Department will continue investigating the case and possible human trafficking charges are pending.

A press release issued on Monday stated, “The department extends its appreciation to Fairfield PD’s K9 Corporal Silas, K9 Farock, and FCSO Deputies – Lieutenant Darby, Deputy Thompson, and Deputy Aultman – for their hard work and assistance. This was a team effort by both agencies.”