Authorities in Gonzales County have launched an urgent search for Scarlett Smith, a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly abducted. The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office has called for public assistance in locating the teenager, who was last seen Tuesday, around 4 p.m., on the 15700 block of West U.S. 90 A, wearing a red Nike hoodie. According to a public notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which KXAN has cited, Smith is described as a white girl, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 187 pounds, with red hair and hazel eyes.
The suspect in this case is 22-year-old Barry Van Mersbergen, also known as Ben, who the officials are saying is to likely have taken the young girl. Mersbergen is described as a white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a tan 2012 GMC Terrain with a Texas license plate numbered 3RVWG. The authorities have expressed a belief that Smith is in grave or immediate danger.
In response to the dire situation, an AMBER Alert has been issued. This alert system, which is a critical measure to rapidly disseminate information about abducted children, underscores the severity of Smith's disappearance. In a report by FOX 7 Austin, officials have urged anyone with information to immediately call 911, reflecting the critical nature of the public's role in these instances.
The community and authorities are continuing to spread awareness in hopes of ensuring Scarlett's safety and swift return. To assist in the search, people can look out for the specific vehicle described earlier, a Tan 2012 GMC Terrain, likely to still bear the number plate 3RVWG. Links to further details and ongoing updates can be found on various local news outlets' websites. The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office also encourages individuals to contact them at (830) 672-6524 if they know anything that could help retrieve Scarlett Smith and ensure her safety.
