Investigators used surveillance footage and license plate reader data to trace the 12-year-old to a home in Independence County.
SPARTANBURG, SC — A 12-year-old Spartanburg County girl reported missing Tuesday was found safe the next day in Arkansas, authorities said, ending an interstate search that led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man on a kidnapping charge.
Riley Berryhill was located Wednesday in Independence County, Arkansas, after investigators in South Carolina traced a vehicle connected to her disappearance, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Brandon Lee Britten, 31, was taken into custody in Arkansas and charged with kidnapping in South Carolina. Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible.
The search began shortly after 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, after deputies received a report that Berryhill was missing from the Arnold Road and Highway 101 area in Spartanburg County. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed the girl walking along Highway 101 and later getting into a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu before about 4:30 p.m., deputies said.
Investigators worked through the night reviewing video and trying to identify the vehicle. By Wednesday afternoon, deputies said they had located a matching vehicle through the Flock license plate reader system. Investigators then connected information about the vehicle’s registered owner with information supplied by Berryhill’s family, giving authorities a possible destination in Arkansas.
Spartanburg County investigators contacted the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and asked deputies there to check a location associated with the vehicle. Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens said his office was contacted at about 3 p.m. Wednesday and investigators developed a possible location within minutes. Arkansas deputies arrived at the location at about 3:15 p.m., according to his office.
Authorities found Berryhill at the location along with Brandon Britten and Sierra Britten, the Independence County Sheriff’s Office said. Both adults were taken into custody. The child was escorted to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County for a forensic interview, medical examination and other services. Arkansas authorities also obtained and executed a search warrant at the location as investigators gathered evidence.
Spartanburg County Sheriff Bill Rhyne said investigators believe the girl and Brandon Britten met online. His office credited the license plate reader network with helping investigators identify and trace the vehicle across state lines. Rhyne said the case demonstrated how the technology can give investigators a lead when other information is limited. The cameras have also been the subject of broader privacy debates in South Carolina and elsewhere.
Arkansas authorities said Berryhill was placed in the care of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch on Wednesday night while her parents traveled from South Carolina. She was reunited with her parents Thursday morning, Sept. 10. Authorities have not publicly released all details about the circumstances of the alleged abduction or the evidence collected during the Arkansas search.
Brandon Britten faces a kidnapping charge in South Carolina. The Independence County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation is continuing with assistance from federal law enforcement partners and had not announced additional Arkansas charges in its latest update. Spartanburg County investigators have also said more charges could follow as the case develops.
Author note: Last updated September 11, 2026.