TBI says missing East Tenn. girl may be in ‘imminent danger’

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. — Investigators believe a 9-year-old East Tennessee girl allegedly taken from school by her uncle may be in serious danger.

Gary Simpson, 57, is an uncle by marriage to Carlie Trent.

Authorities say they have received no credible sightings of Carlie, Simpson or the vehicle Simpson was reportedly driving.

TBI agents and intelligence analysts reportedly have worked to coordinate and verify more than 1,200 tips from 19 states.

TBI spokesman Josh DeVine delivered a chilling update in a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

“We have credible information that Carlie Trent is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. That is why we issued an Amber Alert,” DeVine said.

A kidnapping warrant has been issued for Simpson.

The TBI says Simpson shopped at Wal-Mart before the incident and bought child-sized clothing and camping gear.