Missing Ohio Teen Madison Fields Found Safe in Florida

Two men arrested in connection with the 16-year-old's disappearance

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Madison Fields, a 16-year-old girl from Ohio who had been missing since February 13, 2026, has been found safe in Florida. Two men have been arrested in connection with her disappearance, and the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team was deployed to apprehend one of the suspects, who had fled prior to their arrival. Madison was located at a hotel in Palatka, Florida, and the suspect was taken into custody, with more details on the charges expected to be released soon.

Why it matters

The successful rescue of Madison Fields highlights the importance of strong law enforcement partnerships and the use of Endangered Missing Child alerts when a child goes missing. It also underscores the ongoing issue of child exploitation and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people.

The details

According to the FBI, Madison Fields was reported missing on February 13, 2026, and the Colerain Township Police Department had arrested a man in connection with her disappearance. The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team was deployed to the suspect's home in Tennessee, but he had already fled. Law enforcement was then able to identify a hotel in Florida where the suspect was believed to be staying, and the vehicle was located by the FBI and local police in Palatka, Florida. Madison was found safe at the hotel, and the suspect was taken into custody.

  • Madison Fields was reported missing on February 13, 2026.
  • The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team was deployed to the suspect's home in Tennessee, but he had already fled.
  • Madison was found safe at a hotel in Palatka, Florida.

The players

Madison Fields

A 16-year-old girl from Ohio who was reported missing on February 13, 2026, and has now been found safe in Florida.

Colerain Township Police Department

The police department that arrested a man in connection with Madison Fields' disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that was involved in the search for Madison Fields and the apprehension of the suspect.

FBI Hostage Rescue Team

A specialized unit within the FBI that was deployed to the suspect's home in Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“We are thankful Madison is safe and will soon be back in Ohio.”

— Jason Cromartie, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge

“We are all relieved that Madison has been safely located. Colerain Police and our partners never gave up hope that she would be found. I am thankful for the hard work of our officers and detectives and the support of the community.”

— Edwin C. Cordie III, Colerain Police Chief

“The successful rescue of this teen is the product of strong law enforcement partnerships and underscores the vital role of Endangered Missing Child alerts. When a child is reported missing, law enforcement uses every tool at their disposal and leaves no stone unturned.”

— Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General

What’s next

The suspect will face charges related to Madison Fields' disappearance, and more details on the charges are expected to be released in the near future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong law enforcement cooperation and the use of Endangered Missing Child alerts in locating and rescuing missing children. It also underscores the ongoing issue of child exploitation and the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people.