Man Charged with Kidnapping After Being Found in Florida with Upstate Teen

Simpsonville Teen Found Safe in Key Largo; Suspected Kidnapper Arrested

Florida — A man who reportedly met a 13-year-old runaway from Simpsonville, South Carolina via an online gaming app, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping after being found in Florida with the minor.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Tyler Michael Berlick of Mukwonago, Wisconsin. According to a warrant issued by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Berlick was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. on February 12 in connection with the kidnapping.

Teen Initially Listed as Runaway

The 13-year-old was initially listed as a runaway on the National Crime Information Center database. In compliance with the standard policy to protect the identity of minor victims, the name of the teen is not being disclosed.

The teen was found in Berlick’s vehicle when deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Florida intercepted him at a shopping center in Key Largo.

Online Encounters turned into a Real-life Encounter

Investigations by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) revealed that Berlick and the teen initially connected through an online chatting service and gaming app.

Berlick is now under the custody of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and is awaiting extradition. Following his arrest, a joint effort by various law enforcement units including the Greenville FBI office, the Homestead Florida FBI Office, the Muskego Police Department, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and the Lantana Florida Police Department ensured Berlick’s successful detention.

Contact Information

On an ongoing basis, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to provide information that might lead to the prosecution of criminal activities. Citizens are asked to reach out via email or contact them on X.

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