Deputies on Sunday said they are searching for a man they considered armed and dangerous after claiming that he kidnapped a 12-year-old girl in Harnett County earlier in the day.

According to Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats, deputies are searching for Daniel Francis Gear, 38, who they said kidnapped the girl from a home in Lillington. 

Coats said authorities found the girl walking to the side of the road on U.S. Highway 421. Coats also said they found Gear's car in the Erwin area, but no sign of him.

Coats said Gear is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs about 240 pounds, and has long brown hair. Gear was last seen wearing a white tank top, shorts, and Adidas shoes with socks. Gear also has tattoos down his left arm to his wrist.

Coats said Gear was last seen in the Erwin area near US-421.

Gear is considered armed and dangerous, and Coats asked anyone who sees him not to approach him, call 911 immediately, and provide their location and which way they're traveling.

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