Investigators Clear Man Sought For Questioning in Smart Case
Sunday, June 9, 2002
BY MICHAEL VIGH
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Another promising lead in the abduction of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart quickly evaporated Saturday when a man sought by police was interviewed and cleared.
Earlier in the day, authorities put together a composite sketch of the man and said they would like to question him because he had contact with Elizabeth before her abduction. But hours later, police had located and questioned the man, who police said had no criminal record.
"We found him, he was cleared and now we're moving on," said Salt Lake City police Capt. Scott Atkinson. "The man did not have any information on her whereabouts."
The beret-wearing man, who was described in his late 30s to 40s with a missing front tooth, had spoken to Elizabeth at a social function before the teen's disappearance. Atkinson said the man, whose name was not released, explained the circumstances under which he approached the girl to investigators' satisfaction.
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Utah Girl, you posted this a couple of weeks ago. The police indicated today that they believe they may have already talked with the person responsible for Elizabeth's disappearance.
For some reason this guy keeps coming to mind. Hat, right age. I can't remember what color his hair was though. If the guy had dark hair on his hands then it would be a reasonable assumption to believe he also had dark hair on his head. I also don't remember his approximate height/weight.