SARASOTA, Fla. - A suspect was being questioned by investigators Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl, who was apparently kidnapped while walking home from a friend's house, officials said. The girl's whereabouts were not immediately known.
Joseph P. Smith, 37, was in custody on unrelated charges which sheriff's officials did not specify. Smith's car, a Buick Century station wagon, was being combed by sheriff's investigators in a search for clues in the disappearance of Carlie Brucia, who has been missing since Sunday.
"We have strong evidence that he is in fact the perpetrator," said Capt. Jeff Bell, the lead Sarasota County sheriff's investigator on the case.
Sheriff Bill Balkwill said investigators were led to Smith after a tip was phoned in by a citizen. Authorities were chasing more than 400 leads, Balkwill said.
Sheriff's Col. Terry Lewis called it an "ongoing, dynamic investigation." He said his investigative team will continue working through the night, but would not have further comment until a press briefing at 9 a.m. Thursday.