Suspect arrested for allegedly kidnapping Nevada teen from Walmart parking lot
A suspect has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a Nevada teen who was last seen in a Walmart parking lot earlier this month, police said.
Troy Driver was taken into custody on Friday and is being held on charges of kidnapping, according to a statement from the the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have also impounded a pickup truck that was “possibly involved” in 18-year-old Naomi Irion’s disappearance.
“This is still a very active investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available,” the statement said. “Naomi has still not been located and we are continuing to search for her and information.”
The arrest comes nearly two weeks since Irion was last seen inside her vehicle at a Walmart parking lot in Fenley, according to the sheriff’s office. A nearby surveillance camera captured a man get into the driver seat then speed off in an unknown direction, with Irion still inside the vehicle.
Authorities initially described her disappearance as “suspicious in nature,” and her car was found three days later. Upon further investigation, the Sheriff’s Office said it uncovered evidence suggesting her disappearance was “criminal in nature.”
On Tuesday, authorities released multiple photos and a video of the man suspected of driving off in Irion’s car. They said he has a distinct stride that investigators hoped would help in identifying him. The sheriff’s office also previously identified a Chevrolet pickup truck whose driver they believed may have a “direct connection” to Irion’s disappearance.
Irion’s family has repeatedly called on the community for help in locating their missing loved one.
“We need everyone’s help across the nation because the incident happened so close to [Interstate] 80,” her mother, Diana Irion, said during a press event earlier this week. “She could be anywhere, anywhere in the nation.”
“Please save my daughter and bring her home,” she said.
Irion remains on the FBI’s Kidnappings & Missing Persons list.
With News Wire Services
