CLARK COUNTY, Ohio -A statewide search has ended for a 14-year-old Springfield girl who police say was with a 44-year-old man.
Bruce and Edwards were located in Springfield at about 9:21 p.m. Friday. Edwards was taken into custody and the Clark County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office issued a missing alert for Michaela Marie Bruce after she was reported missing from her home on Faux Satin Drive in The Hill Apartments in Springfield at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
It was believed that the teen was with 44-year-old Mark Edwards, who she has a protection order against. Edwards is also known to possess weapons.
The U.S. Marshals office joined the Clark County Sheriff's Office investigation. Sheriff Gene Kelly called Edwards a pedophile.
The pair was last seen in Clark County on Tuesday when Edwards turned down a plea deal for a sex-related crime involving Bruce.
RELATED: Missing Alert Issued For 14-Year-Old Springfield Girl
"She wrote a letter and indicated to her mother back in September that she was in love with this man," said Kelly.
Kelly said he believes that Edwards, who is married, ran off with the teen Tuesday. He said that Bruce ran off with Edwards a few months ago.
Bruce's mother, Tammy, said she prayed it wouldn't happen again.
"It's like her little brain has been drilled over and over and over that he loves her. I trusted him. His daughter was my daughter's best friend. His wife was my friend," said Tammy.
Police said their investigation led them to a Springfield motel, where they believe the pair took off in a hurry.
"There was a machete found in the motel room. There was a book bag found in the motel room," said Kelly.
The sheriff said Michaela's glasses were found in the bag, along with personal identification.
Two weeks ago Michaela posted what she called a pep talk on her Facebook page.
"It doesn't matter what guys think. Honestly, they're not worth your time if they don't think you're pretty," her post said.
Deputies with the U.S. Marshals office said they are pretty confident they'll track down Edwards.
"Whether it's against her will or not, she's 14 years old and we consider this a priority," said Pete Tobin with the U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of Ohio.
No Amber Alert was issued for Michaela because officials believe she left with Edwards on her own free will.