Toddler recovered safely following AMBER Alert in Kingsport

The father of a 2-year-old was taken into custody after police said he tried to escape Kingsport with the girl.

An AMBER Alert was triggered when Maria Linebaugh was reported missing from a residence on Bowater Drive. In less than two hours, Matthew Linebaugh, 35, was arrested and charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and driving on a revoked license.

The TBI reported the toddler located and found safe.

UPDATE: Detectives with the Kingsport Police Department have obtained warrants for Matthew Linebaugh, charging him with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Driving on a Revoked License.

Have info? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND. pic.twitter.com/zqhctfxqNJ

— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) February 17, 2025

(IMAGES: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation / Official X )