NewsNational News

Actions

Sheriff: Possible Jayme Closs sighting in Miami not credible

Posted at 3:31 PM, Oct 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-16 21:17:50-04

The Barron County Sheriff said the possible sighting of a missing and endangered Wisconsin teen in Miami, Florida doesn't appear to be credible. 

An AMBER Alert was issued Monday afternoon for 13-year-old Jayme Closs after her parents were found dead in their home. 

Gas station surveillance video from Miami shows the girl a witness thought to be Jayme. The FBI has yet to confirm it was. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald indicated Tuesday it isn't credible. 

A witness claims to have seen Jayme inside this black SUV with Wisconsin plates Monday afternoon at a Miami gas station. That's 1,700 miles away from where Jayme's last confirmed sighting Sunday afternoon in her hometown. 

Surveillance video briefly shows a teenage girl sitting in the front passenger seat as the driver pulled up to a gas pump. She doesn't appear to be restrained at the time. Moments before, a man got out of that same vehicle and walked up to another SUV and a truck to talk with others. 

Miami police shared the possible sighting via social media on Monday night. 

"We are actively researching that tip," said Fitzgerald. 

Fitzgerald appeared frustrated at news conference Tuesday that Miami police released information about a possible tip. 

"Every tip continues to be followed up on and if it's something we need to get out to you, you will get that information and it will come directly from me out to you," Fitzgerald said. 

Authorities were first alerted to Jayme's disappearance early Monday morning when a 911 call led sheriff's deputies to her home in Barron. Jayme's parents were found shot to death. 

Fitzgerald is asking Barron County residents to keep an eye out for others acting out of character. He said they've questioned a lot of people while following up on tips, however Jayme is still believed to be missing and in danger.