Police have rescued a five-year-old girl who was being held in a tiny secret closet in a man's home, and he has since been arrested.
In a shocking turn of events, a recent video has surfaced, revealing the dramatic moment Arkansas law enforcement officers stormed a residence to find a five-year-old girl concealed within.
The incident has led to a cascade of criminal charges for the homeowner, Jon Thompson, aged 40, hailing from Tontitown, Arkansas, per the Daily Mail.
Thompson was apprehended on Friday following a police intervention at his residence just the day before, during which officers successfully rescued a young child concealed inside a closet.
Dramatic footage from police body cameras showcased Thompson, donned in overalls and a hat, cooperating with authorities as they navigated through his home.
After removing obstacles that concealed the entrance to a secret room, a small five-year-old girl emerged, and she was promptly taken into the care of the Department of Human Services.
Detective Keith Lindley, recounting the emotional ordeal, disclosed to USA Today: "She was very emotional when she came out and pretty scared. He had instructed her not to make a sound or reveal she was back there."
Fortunately, the child remained unharmed throughout the incident. Thompson now faces a multitude of charges, including interference with custody, first-degree false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as possession of body armor and drug paraphernalia, according to The Washington County Jail Intake.
The Tontitown police had been assisting DHS officials in gaining custody of the child when they decided to confront Thompson. Initial reports from KNWA indicated that Thompson asserted a judge had granted him custody of the child, refused to open the front door, and denied the presence of the five-year-old at his residence.
See the police camera footage below:However, Thompson's stance eventually crumbled, leading him to acknowledge the child's presence in his home. He then directed the officers to the closet, where they heard faint noises emanating from.
In a stunning turn of events, Thompson shifted aside some boxes, revealing a concealed compartment secured behind a board attached to the wall, as captured in photos.
At the time of his arrest, Thompson was already out on bond for unrelated charges filed in Benton County. Detective Lindley disclosed: "He was on bond in connection for a methamphetamine charge from our neighbor city to the north."
On Friday, Thompson was booked into the Washington County Jail, only to be released on Monday upon posting a $5,000 bond. His next court appearance is slated for December 4, where he will face the gravity of the charges levied against him.
