A felony traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Jefferson County ended with Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers pulling a kidnapped 13-year-old girl from a car driven by a 20-year-old North Carolina man wanted for her alleged abduction and sexual assault. The man, identified as Brendan J. Arthurs, was taken into custody after troopers spotted his vehicle and moved in, recovering several weapons from inside the car.
According to WREG, North Carolina authorities had warned that Arthurs was armed and dangerous before troopers encountered him. Per WVLT, North Carolina law enforcement had issued a lookout for Arthurs earlier that day, warning that he was believed to be traveling with the girl. Troopers were told Arthurs was wanted in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a child, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.
Felony Stop Near Mile Marker 424
Troopers spotted Arthurs’ car on I-40 in Jefferson County and conducted a felony traffic stop near mile marker 424, WREG reports. He was taken into custody immediately after the stop, and troopers recovered several weapons from his vehicle. The outlet's account places the rescue on Monday, while WVLT's reporting describes the incident as unfolding Tuesday afternoon in Jefferson County — the two outlets differ on the exact timing.
The girl was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for further evaluation and care following the stop. Arthurs is being held pending further legal action by authorities in North Carolina, where the alleged crimes occurred, the same WREG report notes. WVLT's account adds that Arthurs is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail while that process continues.
What Comes Next
No additional details about formal charges or a court appearance have been reported in either account. The case now moves toward North Carolina, where the alleged kidnapping and assault took place, as authorities there determine the next legal steps against Arthurs.
