By Jon Johnson
MULE CREEK, N.M. – A 12-year-old girl that went missing from Graham County yesterday has been found safe in New Mexico.
Savinya Kimball reportedly absconded with her guardian’s relative, Lawerence James Halamek, 34, of Pima, when Halamek picked her up in his blue Dodge pickup truck as she waited at her bus stop south of Safford.
After not being able to locate her, authorities were called and they were unsuccessful as well. An Amber Alert was then issued last night at around 9 p.m.
According to Graham County Undersheriff Jeff McCormies, Graham County Dispatch received several tips that Kimball and Halamek were spotted walking along Highway 78 in the Mule Creek area of New Mexico. The Graham County Sheriff’s Office then notified the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico, as well as the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office.
Halamek and Kimball were found walking alongside Highway 78 in the Mule Creek area of New Mexico.
At about 10:50 a.m., Tuesday, a sergeant with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico located the pair walking along the highway and took Halamek into custody. Kimball then received medical attention for an unlisted reason, but was reported to be in good condition.
“At this point, a warrant has been issued for Lawerence for custodial interference, and that is what he will be arrested for in New Mexico,” McCormies said. “And then they’ll have to begin extradition issues.”
By noon, deputies with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office were on their way to New Mexico to pick up Kimball and bring her back to Graham County. Halamek was arrested and placed into the Grant County Jail to await extradition.
