SNOHOMISH, Wash. — A 14-year-old developmentally disabled girl who was missing since Wednesday was spotted by employees at a grocery store about a half hour from her home. Elizabeth Harwood was found at Grocery Outlet in Lynnwood Thursday morning after a store employee noticed her from news reports.
A 60-year-old man, who she was calling "grandpa," was arrested at a nearby McDonald's. Harwood told employees she and "grandpa" had spent the night at a nearby motel. Deputies said Harwood has a developmental disability and reportedly has the mental capacity of a younger child.
Jason Thomas was working the front register at Grocery Outlet in Lynwood when he heard Harwood's voice. He told KIRO 7 it sounded like an 8-year-old girl. He said he had heard of the missing Snohomish girl and started to wonder if this could be her.
After consulting co-workers, he and others approached her and she told them her name was Elizabeth Harwood. They called police and the man who was nearby was arrested. A family friend told KIRO 7 that the man, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant, is a total stranger to the Harwood family.
Harwood had been missing since Wednesday at noon after she left her home in the 500 block of D Avenue in Snohomish. Deputies said she was riding her bike to a friend's house but did not arrive at the destination. Family members called to report Harwood missing after a three-hour search.
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