Police Make Arrest In Connection With Cranston Runaway

CRANSTON, RI — A Central Falls man was arrested in connection with a 10-year-old girl who went missing earlier this week. Aaron Reed, 31, of Sylvian Street, was charged with obstruction of an officer in the execution of duty after police say he lied during the search for Jania McDuffie.

On Wednesday, police urgently searched for McDuffie after she was reported missing from the Pontiac Avenue area. She was found safe later in the day.

During the search, Reed was identified as a person of interest. Officers spoke with him near his Central Falls home on Tuesday night and detained him. According to police, he made false statements throughout the day on Wednesday that "hampered the search" for the missing girl. Police did not say why Reed was identified as a person of interest or what false statements he gave.

After McDuffie was found safe, she was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital for evaulation, which is protocol in such situations. Both the Central Falls Police Department and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families assisted in the investigation. Police stressed that the girl was a "willing participant" who ran away from home.

No further charges in connection with McDuffie's disappearance are anticipated at the time, police said.

Reed is being held as a probation violator for a simple assault charge and will be due back in court on Jan. 30. He is also being investigated for failing to register as a sex offender and knowingly residing within 300 feet of a school, police said. Those charges will be brought by the Central Falls Police Department.

"Every second that goes by is filled with extreme worry, anguish and the unknown by loved ones," Cranston Police Col. Michael Winquist. said. "This is a stark reminder to anyone who has critical information and misleads the police in the search of a missing person that you will be charged. This investigation could have been ended much sooner if Mr. Reed didn’t lie and provide false information to investigators, as a result he is being charged appropriately."