Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Specialized Investigations Division have made an arrest in connection to the kidnapping of 13-year-old Payttan Cruz. Tyler Michael Berlick, 35, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was arrested in Florida at around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
According to GCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Jeremy Holt, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies came in contact with Berlick at the Pink Plaza shopping center in Key Largo Florida.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered 13-year-old, missing teen, in the vehicle with Berlick. The Greenville FBI office, Homestead Florida FBI Office, the Muskego Police Department, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office along with the Lantana Florida Police Department assisted in the apprehension of Berlick and the recovery of the missing teen.
During the course of the investigation, GCSO investigators discovered that Berlik and the teen met through an online chatting service and gaming app. Berlick is currently in the custody of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office awaiting extradition.
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