Girl, 6, abducted found chained to tree

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A six-year-old girl from New Hanover County, North Carolina is alive and well after she was found chained to a tree, 18 hours after being abducted.

Speaking during a news conference Thursday, the New Hanover Sheriff was overcome with emotion announcing the shocking discovery of the girl and her safe return to her family.

"We beat the odds today, it's safe to say," said Sheriff Edward McMahon.

Stefanny Lenneth Lopez-Castro was kidnapped from her home in Willoughby Park on Wednesday at about 5 p.m., according to various local media reports. An amber alert was issued.

She was found just before 10 a.m. in a wooded area less than two miles from her home.

Lopez-Castro was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was released to her parents.

A suspect, Douglas Edwards, 46, was arrested Thursday. He was charged with first-degree kidnapping.

More information about Edwards and what led to his arrest was expected after a court appearance Friday morning.