ARIZONA NEWS

Officer who rescued abducted girl buys her a bike

Dec 24, 2013, 12:09 PM | Updated: 12:10 pm

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PHOENIX — A Mesa girl who was abducted for a short time Sunday has received a holiday gift from the the police officer who rescued her.

The 8-year-old girl was riding her bike when she was allegedly abducted by 22-year-old Robert Curtis Milliron. Police said he was lonely and wanted companionship.

The girl escaped after Milliron crashed his vehicle. She was rescued by Mesa Police Officer Jonathon Appel, who found her running down an alley.

As a result of the investigation, the girl’s bike was seized. Appel felt bad about the situation, so he took the girl to Walmart and bought her a new bicycle.

“I did not want her to be without a bike for Christmas,” Appel said. “I wanted her to have a new bike, to which she could affix new and happier memories.”

Milliron was booked on charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, aggravated assault and hit and run.

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Officer who rescued abducted girl buys her a bike