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k1039 BC-KS-MissingTeen-Kan 3rdLd-Writethru 10-22 0186

Missing Marion Co. teen found safe in NE Kansas

Eds: APNewsNow. CORRECTS to 'Marion County' sted 'Marion' in headlines.

HIAWATHA, Kan. (AP) -- A 17-year-old girl who had been missing since Tuesday has been found safe in northeast Kansas after being dropped off at a bank. A suspect is in custody.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says a bank employee recognized Tara Rene Simhiser around 11:25 Thursday morning and contacted police, who took the Lehigh girl into protective custody.

Hiawatha Police Chief Evans Woehlecke (WOAH-luh-kee) says the girl seemed scared when officers arrived at the bank.

The chief says the suspect, 21-year-old Rojelio Hernandez, was detained about 15 minutes later as he was cruising around town in a Honda Accord.