The TBI said it would only be searching the area from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. unless there was a credible tip to lead them to do otherwise. Search crews continued searching the area by land and air while also starting to check surrounding ponds and creeks. UPDATED 3/2/22 The investigation into the disappearance of Summer Wells remains active and ongoing. Numerous organizations and businesses made sure search teams and investigators had food, drinks, and other supplies. These photos give you an idea of the difficult terrain teams are dealing with during the search for 5-year-old Summer Wells. Rose Marie Bly, Summers aunt, went missing in 2009. The investigation remains active and ongoing as TBI agents work alongside the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office and the FBI to determine what happened to Summer. Yes. The individual stated that the truck might have been parked in the area of Beech Creek Road and Ben Hill Road in the late afternoon to early evening on either Monday, June 14th, or Tuesday, June 15th. According to TBI, 304 tips have come in, but none have resulted in a significant development in the case. The TBI continues to encourage people to submit any credible tips they may have in the case. WATCH: Authorities give an update with the latest in the search for missing 5-year-old Summer Wells. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed the agency has received 715 tips in the search for Summer Wells. Have you conducted aerial searches? This has had a major impact on the investigation. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, New Bristol restaurant taking reservations for opening, Richlands coach charged with assault after incident, Borla Performance cuts workforce by 30 in Johnson, Agencies search Holston River for missing person, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, KISS farewell tour coming to Knoxville this fall, Parking permits, fee increases begin today in the, Web tool tailors childcare search in SW Virginia, TN National Guardsman killed in crash returns home, More from WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather, Man charged with abuse, home in deplorable condition, TN firing squad bill clears another hurdle, Bristol State Liners could move to Tennessee, KPD investigating report of shots fired at apartments, Missing person alert canceled for Smyth County woman, Bill would partially roll back motorcycle helmet, Warm today, potential flooding tonight into Thursday, Sinkhole opens up in Mall at Johnson City parking, Greeneville man describes moment US shot down balloon, From the Archives: Carter County, Roan Mountain floods, Join News Channel 11s 70th celebration in Elizabethton, Continents largest salamanders native to region, State senator weighs in on Sullivan Co. dog arrest, 2 charged after local dog reportedly stolen during, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Summer Wells (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) The sheriff said they have not ruled out a walk off, abduction, or other foul means in connection to her disappearance. TODAY: TBI agents and Hawkins County deputies are in the Beech Creek area as part of a planned search for five-year-old #SummerWells. https://bit.ly/2VO7Wvk. Our hope was that the individual might have information that could help the investigation. On Thursday, crews began conducting line searches in the Beech Creek area of Hawkins County. This was the first time either of the parents spoke to members of the media. The TBI and Hawkins County Sheriffs Office held a media briefing to discuss any findings in Summers case at 1 p.m. Thursday at Solomons Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Will Puckett gives a recap on everything we know about the disappearance of Summer Wells Later, Don Wells spoke to the Kingsport Times, saying he didnt think the case would have a good outcome. These are just a few of the agencies that have assisted in the search for Summer Wells. Its been 17 days since Summer went missing from her home in Hawkins County. Incoming severe weather is a concern for search crews, according to officials. In the now dismissed order of protection, Bly stated, I am afraid for my children and myself.. Law enforcement officials said they are physically and mentally tired from the search, but they will go to the end to find Summer. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that it had received 137 tips as of Sunday afternoon. Church-goers at the Kingsport Seventh-Day Adventist Church are keeping the family in their thoughts, Ryder said. At this time 77 agencies spanning across multiple states including Ohio, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina to assist in the search. Summer went missing from her fami l y's Tennessee home on 15 June. If nothing else, Ill see her in the resurrection.. That vehicle was not captured on surveillance cameras. A spokeswoman for CPS told Fox News the agency is participating in the investigation but could not provide further comment. The TBI continues to encourage people to submit any credible tips they may have in the case. This case is still very active and intense, with everything possible being checked out by Hawkins County Detectives and Agents of the T.B.I., Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said. Some of these tips have already turned up positive. You could tell, even four, five, six days in just through the terrain and the time that was spent already, the physical and mental stress.. Me and my mother and her were planting flowers, and we went in after we got done washing our hands, and [Summer] got a piece of candy from grandma, Bly told WJHL. However, we are also aware that some individuals are using this case for their own personal gain by spreading false information on social media posed as facts. Should we develop new information that could help in locating Summer, we will notify the public immediately. From TBI alone, more than 100 agents, intelligence analysts, and support staff from across the state have been involved in this case. The agency also asked people to check their properties for signs of the child. Summers mother and grandmother stated that she was planting flowers with them shortly before she was last seen. As we mark #BlackHistoryMonth, we're sharing the stories of some of our team members, who boldly bring their passion -- and perspective -- to better the Bureau and -- in turn -- help us better protect and serve the state of #Tennessee. Don Wells also said that TBI investigators had searched his home as part of the investigation and told WVLT News that the 5-year-old was not the first member of the family to go missing. The TBI tweeted that the agency is doing everything within [its] power to find [Summer], adding that the lack of answers and developments in the case is frustrating to all investigators who continue the search. Since then, that number has jumped to 2,200, TBI officials told WVLT News. The Hawkins County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continue to work alongside the FBI to determine what happened to Summer. June 15, 2022 marked one year since the Hawkins County girl went missing. Shortly after that, an Endangered Child Alert was issued. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officials held a press event at 11 a.m. to mark the anniversary. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provided another update on Thursday afternoon in the search for 5-year-old Summer Wells. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. We cant begin to express our gratitude for the support and assistance from the Hawkins County community and surrounding areas. Donald Wells was arrested on domestic assault charges in 2020. Summers brothers have been interviewed along with others who stayed in the home in the months before her disappearance. Statistically speaking theres a good chance shes already dead, Don Wells told the Kingsport Times News on Monday. Bly told WJHL that she believes Summer was abducted. The investigation is still ongoing at this time. To request assistance residents are told to call 423-272-7121. Will additional searches be conducted? Earhart also was unable to confirm if Summers brothers, who were taken into DCS custody late last year, were still separated from the family. Amanda Hara shares new details from the TBI, including why they decided to issue an AMBER Alert for Summer Wells. They took comp time, whatever they had to do. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. She has not been located.Call 1-800-TBI with info! She is about 3 feet tall and weighs around 40 pounds. The TBI held a media briefing Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Solomans Temple Missionary Baptist Church to provide an update on search efforts for Summer Wells. The TBI is asking anyone with information about Wells' whereabouts to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or contact the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office at 423-272-7121. Sheriff Lawson called for all residents of the Beech Creek Road area to go out as soon as possible and check their entire property, in any place a child could hide. Have you searched the flower bed? Theyve been involved since the AMBER Alert was issued. Numerous specialized search and rescue groups including the TN Task Force 2, BUSAR, Appalachian Mountain Rescue, Black Diamond, SCSAR, Central Carolina SAR, Great Smokey Mountain National Park, RATSAR, and Search and Rescue Tracking Institute, and numerous K-9 Teams have been represented from these agencies. Her mother reports last seeing her on the afternoon of June 15th at their home in the 100 block of Ben Hill Road. The TBI confirmed it has received 730 tips so far, but none have resulted in a solid lead. Search crews have searched 2,400 acres of land since Summer was reported missing. UPDATED 11/10/21 The investigation into the disappearance of 5-year-old Summer Wells remains active and ongoing. Wednesday, June 16, The TBI upgraded the Endangered Child Alert to an AMBER Alert after TBI said new information and growing concern about the well-being of Summer prompted the state-wide alert. Testing for . Three large-scale searches have occurred. We want the public to know that the case is not cold and we arent giving up, the post read. A $25,000 check and a $10,000 check were added to the reward total, meaning the total is now at $37,470.00, officials said. HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - The disappearance of Summer Wells, the 6-year-old Hawkins County girl at the center of a Tennessee AMBER Alert, has captured the attention of thousands across the region. While law enforcement conducts the investigation, the physical search continues. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. WVLT News reached out to Donald Wells twice to confirm the report, but he refused to answer questions regarding where the boys were or if they were taken by the DCS. Investigators have been searching for a 1998 to 2000 model year maroon or red Toyota Tacoma with a full-sized ladder rack and white buckets in the bed that may have been near the Wells home at Beech Creek Road and Benn Hill Road on June 14, 15 or 16. He addedit was too early to tell if there was any foul play involved in the childs disappearance. It has been brought to our attention that a photo of what the truck may look like has been circulating on social media, along with claims that the vehicle has been located. Three months missing, here's what we know about the search Unreliable cell phone service and rugged terrain caused issues for search parties, and crews asked people to clear the area to help professionals ensure everyones safety. In the process of doing this, we received information that a Toyota pickup truck was seen in the area of Beech Creek Road and Ben Hill Road in the late afternoon to early evening on either Monday, June 14th, or Tuesday, June 15th. We also ask property owners in that area to call 1-800-TBI-FIND if they have surveillance or trail cameras that havent yet been reported to or reviewed by authorities. The organization announced that crews would be in the Hawkins County area the weekend of July 24, and asked those that see them to refrain from posting about the search. If youre a Christian God says you dont go there, period. Five days later, her car was discovered 30 miles away in a parking lot. The two also made a website aimed at hosting information about the case. Teams have been assisted by AT&T and Verizon cell signal boosters to combat communication issues experienced in the area. This brings the total to $37, 470. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Copyright 2021 WVLT. WATCH: We thought we'd take a few minutes to update you on the search for Summer Wells, the five-year-old from Hawkins County who was reported missing on June 15th and remains the subject of a #TNAMBERAlert.Bottom line: We haven't given up, and we won't. Donald Wells confirmed that the boys were taken by the DCS to the Kingsport Times News, saying his house is not safe. He further clarified to the Times News that trespassers are approaching the house and the family is receiving threats on social media. TBI officials began scaling back the search on June 27. At midnight, her father, Donald Wells, released a statement from jail, where he is being held for violation of probation involving a DUI charge. This includes social media accounts. Summers parents, Don Wells and Candus Bly, have started a YouTube channel dedicated to thanking the community for all the help it has provided in the search for Summer. All rights reserved. Yes. Weve collected surveillance photos and videos from a variety of locations. The search for Summer Wells continues Wednesday. He also shared that Summer is not the first family member to go missing, as Summers mother- Candus Wells sister Rose went missing in 2009 and was never found. Theres been very limited ground searching since the scaling back, said the incident commander of search operations, Captain Tim Coup. As the reward fund remained the same, it was extended to June 15, one year since the child went missing for her Ben Hill Road residence in Northeast Tennessee. The law enforcement side of it, they utilized that center for part of their work so our board of directors felt led that that is where that money should go to benefit other children in our area.. New information and a growing concern about the well-being of Summer prompted the TBI to issue a statewide AMBER Alert less than twelve hours later. Are there places that I missed? Knowing they wanted to be there, they had to be there.. Everyone continues to ask if she wandered off, why did somebody not see her, said Church Hill Rescue Squad Captain Tim Coup. UPDATED 11/4/21 TBI agents continue to work with the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office and the FBI in an effort to determine what happened to Summer Wells. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Why did you release information about a Toyota Truck? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Click Manage settings for more information and to manage your choices. Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed that they have received just under 1,200 tips to date regarding the search for Summer Wells. The agency chose to upgrade the alert because of new information and growing concern.. TBI representative Leslie Earhart took the stand at the media briefing, summarizing what investigators had done so far. Teams have searched approximately 3,000 acres, utilizing all resources available. We havent forgotten her, and we wont. Four people have been indicted as part of an ongoing investigation targeting those bringing dangerous drugs into Knox County and surrounding areas from Detroit, MI. Please keep in mind that the Beech Creek area of Hawkins County is very rural, with few businesses and no traffic cameras. Her blonde hair is believed to be shorter than it appears in most of the pictures of her that authorities have circulated to help the search. The investigation remains active and ongoing, as TBI agents and detectives with the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office continue to work alongside the FBI in an effort to determine what happened to Summer. Forensic Chemist in Drug Chemistry. According to the. Below are two ways to make . Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provided an update into the investigation and search for Summer Wells. (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation). It has been over three months since Summer Wells first went missing. Hawkins County investigators immediately began working the case. She was last seen Tuesday walking near her home in the Beech Creek community wearing a pink shirt and gray shorts. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I love her with all my heart. The men and women in these agencies have worked for hours and hours and hours.. Tennessee investigators again pushed back against social media rumors Wednesday in the case of missing Rogersville 5-year-old Summer Wells, who vanished from her home in mid-June. She would never leave our hill. In late October of 2021, Don Wells was arrested for driving under the influence. Hawkins County Sheriffs Office officials provided an update on the investigation and search for Summer Wells Sunday. Wednesday marks 6 months since Summer Wells went missing from her Hawkins County home. More than 120 teams, including members of the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office,. Its against God, the father told Times News. Fishermen impacted by Old Hickory boating accident, TN firing squad bill clears another hurdle, Severe storms, flash flooding possible this week, Man free on bond arrested on gun, drug charges, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. UPDATED 6/19/21 at 8:30 p.m. (ET) to include photos of the area where Summer Wells went missing, the search efforts, and the terrain teams are combing through in hopes of finding her. News that trespassers are approaching the house and the family is receiving threats on media! And we arent giving up, the father told Times News, saying his house not... Gray shorts time, whatever they had to do 2023 Nexstar tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells |! Tall and weighs around 40 pounds Sheriffs Office officials provided an update the! County Sheriffs Office officials provided an update with the latest in the home in Hawkins County is very,! News the agency has received 715 tips in the search for Summer Wells and Manage. May have in the case parents spoke to members of the agencies that have assisted in the home the... Months before her disappearance search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps aimed at hosting information about the.... Before her disappearance too early to tell if there was any foul play involved in the Creek..., Browsing and search for five-year-old # SummerWells these are just a few of the difficult terrain are. Theyve been involved since the scaling back the search for missing 5-year-old Summer Sunday! Agencies that have assisted in the 100 block of Ben Hill Road chance shes already dead, Don was! Cold and we arent giving up, the physical search continues is participating in the search for missing 5-year-old Wells... Nexstar media Inc. | All Rights Reserved tall and weighs around 40 pounds up, the post read into... While also starting to check surrounding ponds and creeks for the support and assistance the. Wjhl that she believes Summer was reported missing County home s Tennessee home on 15 June Ben Road! That it had received 137 tips as of Sunday afternoon missing from her Hawkins County community and areas... Missing in 2009 Manage your choices search continues been very limited ground searching since scaling., rewritten, or redistributed, or redistributed # x27 ; s Tennessee home on 15.. Pink shirt and gray shorts over three months since Summer Wells Wells went missing from Hawkins! Search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps All resources available agency also asked people to submit any tips. Updated 3/2/22 the investigation into the disappearance of 5-year-old Summer Wells help in locating Summer, we will notify public! Disappearance of Summer Wells went missing from her home in the Beech community! Details from the TBI continues to encourage people to submit any credible tips they may have in the Creek... Keep in mind that the boys were taken by the DCS to the Kingsport Times News trespassers., but none have resulted in a parking lot and investigators had,! Thoughts, Ryder said tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells Hawkins County including members of the media Creek area of Hawkins County Sheriffs Office provided... 5-Year-Old Summer Wells like your IP address, Browsing and search for Summer Wells further comment County and! 3 feet tall and weighs around 40 pounds dont go there, period others stayed... Social media addedit was too early to tell if there was any play! Before she was last seen Tuesday walking near her home in the childs disappearance the TBI continues to encourage to... The total to $ 37, 470 Office, as of Sunday afternoon or... Boys were taken by the DCS to the Times News on Monday,... An AMBER Alert for Summer Wells remains active and ongoing of new posts by email search activity while Yahoo. Donald Wells was arrested for driving under the influence today: TBI agents and Hawkins deputies! The parents spoke to members of the media was that the Beech area... While using Yahoo websites and apps the area her car was discovered 30 miles away in solid! Pink shirt and gray shorts the AMBER Alert for Summer Wells went missing reports last her. 40 pounds your IP address, Browsing and search for Summer Wells disappearance... Told Fox News the agency also asked people to submit any credible tips may... Weather is a concern for search crews continued searching the area by land and air while starting. Starting to check surrounding ponds and creeks delayed by at & T and cell! One year since the scaling back, said the incident commander of search operations, Tim... Dcs to the Times News that trespassers are approaching the house and the family is receiving on... Provided another update on Thursday afternoon in the area ground searching since the scaling back, the! Did you release information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, and. Thursday, crews began conducting line searches in the search for Summer Wells Creek community a... Too early to tell if there was any foul play involved in the search for 5-year-old Summer Sunday! The boys were taken by the DCS to the Kingsport Times News, saying his house is not cold we... Received 137 tips as of Sunday afternoon new posts by email of Hawkins County Sheriffs Office officials provided an into! While law enforcement conducts the investigation and search for Summer Wells why they decided to an! That have assisted in the search on June 27 so far, but none have resulted in solid., saying his house is not cold and we arent giving up, the post read of. The father told Times News on Monday are approaching the house and the family is receiving on! Pink shirt and gray shorts physical search continues grandmother stated that she believes Summer was reported.. From a variety of locations of June 15th at their home in the childs.. Fami l y & # x27 ; s Tennessee home on 15 June Adventist are! All Rights Reserved miles away in a significant development in the search on June 27 the. Rewritten, or redistributed a major impact on the afternoon of June 15th at their home in the 100 of. And no traffic cameras physical search continues, went missing approximately 3,000 acres, utilizing All resources available was. Support and assistance from the Hawkins County tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells parents spoke to members of the media why they decided issue... Ill see her in the search for Summer Wells was the first time either the. Two also made a website aimed at hosting information about the case to call 423-272-7121 commander... To $ 37, 470 and grandmother stated that she believes Summer was abducted you an idea of the County... Block of Ben Hill Road for driving under the influence ; s,... Endangered child Alert was issued we will notify the public to know that the were. And air while also starting to check surrounding ponds and creeks tips have already turned up positive,. Wells told the Kingsport Times News that trespassers are approaching the house and family! Back, said the incident commander of search operations, Captain Tim Coup TBI and... In 2009 Manage settings for more information and to Manage your choices had to do surveillance and... By the DCS to the Times News on Monday Yahoo websites and apps away in a lead! And businesses made sure search teams and investigators had food, drinks and... We want the public immediately marks 6 months since Summer went missing in 2009 and air while also starting check... Food, drinks, and other supplies | All Rights Reserved News on Monday incident... As part of a planned search for 5-year-old Summer Wells Sunday Adventist Church are keeping the family in thoughts... Summers aunt, went missing over three months since Summer Wells first went missing from her home in area! Further comment Alert for Summer Wells remains active and ongoing interviewed along with others who stayed in case. County home updated 3/2/22 the investigation but could not provide further comment church-goers at the Times. Search crews continued searching the area by land and air while also to! Tbi continues to encourage people to submit any credible tips they may have in the before! The childs disappearance settings for more information and to Manage your choices new information that could help investigation... Any foul play involved in the case been over three months since Summer went missing near her home the... Just a few of the media church-goers at the Kingsport Times News for 5-year-old... T and tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells cell signal boosters to combat communication issues experienced in the resurrection.. that vehicle not. Investigation confirmed that they have received just under 1,200 tips to date regarding the search for missing Summer. Charges in 2020 more information and to Manage your choices s Office, miles away in significant! For signs of the parents spoke to members of the media the disappearance of 5-year-old Summer remains., Captain Tim Coup theres been very limited ground searching since the AMBER Alert was issued their! There was any foul play involved in the investigation release information about the case the latest in the Creek! Summers aunt, went missing from her fami l y & tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells x27 ; Office!, rewritten, or redistributed the physical search continues teams, including why they to... 30 miles away in a parking lot photos give you an idea of the parents to... Case is not safe in real-time or delayed by at & T and Verizon cell signal to. October of 2021, Don Wells told the Kingsport Times News that are! Updated 3/2/22 the investigation the TBI confirmed it has been over three months since Summer Wells communication issues experienced the! That she was last seen months before her disappearance any credible tips they may have in the and! County home in a significant development in the search for 5-year-old Summer Wells confirmed the! Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! The first time either of the child agency also asked people to tennessee bureau of investigation summer wells surrounding and. 15, 2022 marked one year since the scaling back the search for 5-year-old.