(WKRG) Brooke Bridges, the Brewton teenager who went missing in early February, has been found alive and returned to her family.
Authorities say “they can’t explain everything” because the matter is still an open investigation, but they have confirmed in a Thursday press conference that Bridges is home once again with her family safe and sound.
Bridges, 16, was found in Georgia, though details on her disappearance are scarce at this time.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of the family,” a law enforcement official said.
Authorities said they acted on a tip the received from social media Wednesday night.
“Some leads from Mobile came in with us in Brewton and some phone calls were made to check a location and when they went and checked it she was there,” said Brewton Police Chief Monte McGougin.
WKRG spoke to Bridges’ mother in February shortly after Brooke went missing. Lisa Bridges said at the time she believed Brooke was kidnapped. Authorities didn’t know if they have a criminal case or a runaway.
Lisa Bridges said her daughter’s blue hair was in support of an anti-bullying campaign.
A significant amount of resources were used to locate Bridges, including helicopter searches from the air and FBI assistance.
As WKRG reported in February, divers searched a lake near Bridges’ home after fearing the worst.
Law enforcement officials say the reunion between Brooke and her family was “touching” and that the mother was hyperventilating to the point that ambulance assistance was considered.