Hayleigh Wilson Sighted In Virginia With Sex Offender


The search for missing Tennessee teen Hayleigh Wilson has shifted to Wythe County, Virginia, after more than one sighting has been reported of the girl and the registered sex offender that is traveling with her. WCYB News reports that one of the sightings was made in Rural Retreat, which is where police have set up a command post in hopes of narrowing down the search for the fugitive and his teenage companion.

WDBJ reveals that one female witness unwittingly gave directions to sex offender Ben Shook, and the 14-year-old missing girl was with him at the time. The runaway duo reportedly knocked on the door of a woman who lives up the road from a campground where searches are taking place. The woman didn’t know at the time, but she gave directions to an absconded sex offender and a missing 14-year-old girl. This has been one of the few credible tips in the search for the two. The young woman’s father recounted what happened.

“They said they were lost Appalachian Trail hikers, the trail is only about for or five miles away from here so she gave them directions (of) how to get to Rural Retreat and then that was it.”

The search for Hayleigh Wilson and Ben Shook has lasted two weeks, with authorities declaring that the 14-year-old girl may be in danger. Recent reports at least confirm that she is alive — or at least she was at the time of these most recent sightings. This comes as good news to people who feared the worst for the teen, who is the subject of a multi-state search.

Another sighting sparked the suspicion of at least one driver, who called 911 when they noted that a male and female acting suspiciously near a popularly-traveled area near Rural Retreat. The witness says that the couple ran across the road and disappeared into a wooded area when the headlights of the vehicle shone on them. Authorities have reason to believe that the male and female duo are the same two people currently being sought.

Sex offender Ben Shook is on the run after he failed to register in the state of Georgia where he resides. Authorities believe that he used the internet to lure 14-year-old Hayleigh Wilson from her home as a willing runaway. However, investigators aren’t completely sure if the teen is still a willing participant in this multi-state trek.

If you’ve seen either Ben Shook or Hayleigh Wilson you are encouraged to call 911 immediately.

[Photo: Police handout/Hayleigh Wilson and Ben Shook]

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