Missing Pitt County children found safe, suspect arrested

PITT COUNTY, NC (WTVD) -- Missing Pitt County children Tyzira Donte Jones and Tyana Yevette Jones were found safe after they were abducted Saturday morning, according to the Pitt County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities believe 31-year-old Terrence Jones abducted the children around 4 a.m. Saturday, and an Amber Alert was issued. He is now in custody.

Initially, deputies said the situation started as a domestic dispute involving Terrence Jones, the children's father. He reportedly told the children's mother he would kill them and kill himself. He tried to abduct the mother as well, authorities told ABC11. She was able to get away.

The sheriff's office pinpointed Terrence Jones's location and established communication with him. Deputies told ABC11 Jones called a relative in another state and again said he was going to kill the kids and himself.

Jones apparently got distracted and officers were able to rescue the children from a back bedroom where Jones was staying.

Officers took Jones into custody. He was taken to the Pitt County Detention Center. He is charged with attempted kidnapping of the mother, assault on the mother, and larceny.

Because Jones is the children's father, officers are evaluating appropriate charges for the abduction.