A Colorado father with his young son in tow is being sought on McMinn County, Tenn., criminal charges.
Jared Lackey, 29, of Colorado Springs, is wanted on warrants issued for his arrest in connection with an incident that happened Sunday, McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy said in a statement.
On Sunday, Lackey "forced his estranged wife and family into a vehicle and threatened to take them to California," Guy said. Lackey faces charges of kidnapping, domestic assault and interfering with 911.
On Monday, Lackey picked up his son from Etowah City School and hasn't been seen since, Guy said.
Lackey is white and about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing about 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was driving a charcoal gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with Colorado license plate number YQU091.
Lackey's son, Kaden Jack Lackey, is described as a white 7-year-old with brown hair and brown eyes, about 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing about 50 pounds. The boy was last known to be wearing a blue Spider-Man shirt, blue jeans and blue shoes. He also wears black-rimmed eyeglasses with lime green earpieces, according to the statement from the sheriff's office.
Guy said Lackey didn't violate the law in taking his son from school.
"He had the right to take his son, because he and the mother are married and both have equal rights to the son. There were no court orders diminishing his right," Guy said. "We are seeking any information on Mr. Lackey's location, and we want to ensure Kaden's safety. There is an active order of protection against Mr. Lackey, as well."
Guy said Tuesday that Lackey, originally from McMinn County, has no known criminal record. The sheriff said there was no reason to think Lackey was armed. Guy also said there was no activity on Lackey's credit card, debit card or cellphone.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 911, the McMinn County Sheriff's Office at 423-745-5620, or privately message Sheriff Joe Guy on his social media accounts.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton or at www.facebook.com/benbenton1 on Facebook.