Police Arrest Man in Case of Missing Indiana Teenager Feared Dead After Online Meeting [WATCH]

Authorities say the search for a missing Indiana teenager has taken a tragic turn, with investigators now fearing the 17-year-old may be dead and a man she met online arrested as part of a widening investigation involving state and federal law enforcement, as reported by The New York Post.

Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old high school student from Indiana, was last seen by her parents on Jan. 5. At the time of her disappearance, she was initially considered a runaway.

Police later determined she left with a plan and classified her as endangered.

Authorities believe that Hailey Buzbee (17) is deceased.

The search for her location brought them to Tyler Nike Thomas (39) in Franklin County, Ohio. He has been arrested on charges related to Hailey’s disappearance. He is charged with one count of pandering obscenity and one… pic.twitter.com/N5luTiPILx

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According to investigators, Buzbee allegedly left with Tyler Thomas, 39, a man she met through an online gaming platform. On Feb. 1, Fishers police announced they believe Buzbee likely died within a few days of her disappearance.

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Court documents reviewed by WSYX state that a vehicle linked to Thomas was seen in Buzbee’s neighborhood around the time she went missing. When questioned by investigators, Thomas admitted to picking her up, according to police.

Authorities say child sexual abuse material was allegedly found on Thomas’ electronic devices. Investigators also allege that Thomas attempted to delete videos involving the teen.

Law enforcement officials subsequently focused their investigation on multiple properties connected to him.

As part of the search, drones, K9 units, and ground teams were deployed to a rental home in Hocking County, Ohio. Police said they had evidence indicating Buzbee and Thomas were together at the rental property.

The search operation drew support from multiple agencies as investigators worked to piece together Buzbee’s movements after she left her home.

Thomas has not been charged with Buzbee’s murder. However, he has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation, which includes assistance from the FBI.

Authorities confirmed that Thomas has been charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and is also accused of tampering with evidence.

Federal officials emphasized that the investigation remains active.

“The FBI is committed to pursuing justice and holding those accountable for what they did,” said Tim O’Malley, the FBI Special Agent in Charge for Indianapolis.

O’Malley urged the public to allow investigators time to complete their work.

“The one ask I have for everyone is to be patient as the investigation continues and the search for Hailey continues,” he said.

As the search and investigation continue, Buzbee’s family has spoken publicly about the teenager and the impact of her disappearance. Her father, Beau Buzbee, described his daughter as a caring young woman with a promising future.

“Hailey was a smart, beautiful, kind, and caring young lady with a bright future,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “She had a deep love for her family and holds a very special place in so many hearts. Our family is devastated.”

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Buzbee’s death or whether further charges may be filed.

TRAGIC UPDATE: 17-Year-Old Hailey Buzbee Believed DEAD After Online Grooming by 39-Year-Old Man She Met Gaming — Suspect Tyler Thomas Arrested in Ohio

Fishers, Indiana

Body not yet recovered. pic.twitter.com/pcLso1lvhx

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Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains ongoing as they continue efforts to determine exactly what happened after the teen left her home on Jan. 5.

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