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CNN Live Today

Salt Lake City Police Think Suspect in Smart Case is Still in Area

Aired June 11, 2002 - 13:51   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS: Search continues for 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the missing girl from Salt Lake City, Utah. Police say they believe they may have or may soon talk to a suspect who remains unidentified. They believe he is still in the area. Our Frank Buckley is covering this story, joins us on the phone with the latest from what the chief had to say, and also the latest on the investigation -- Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, this announcement from Salt Lake City Police Chief Rick Dinse really represents a sea change in the tone of this search for Elizabeth Smart here. Even as late as yesterday, detectives were expressing frustration, telling us that there were no new leads.

Clearly there has been an investigation that has been developing. We now hear from the chief that based on what FBI profilers are telling them about the suspect, based on evidence collected, the crime scene analysis and a third interview with nine-year-old Mary Katherine, who is the sister who was with Elizabeth at the time of her abduction, that they now believe they have at least a sense of who this suspect is.

PHILLIPS: All right. Our Frank Buckley ...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK DINSE, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE CHIEF: Thusfar we believe that it is possible that we have already talked to or will soon have talked to the suspect responsible for this crime.

We are pulling out all stops. We will continue this. The family continues to be cooperative in every way, and we are encouraged that we will bring a conclusion to this investigation.

BUCKLEY: And when the chief was asked, "Do you believe the suspect is still in the area," he answered very bluntly, "Yes."

And then he went on later to actually warn the suspect, that to tell him, quote, "We are going to get you."

Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Our Frank Buckley from Salt Lake City. Thank you so much. Also we want to tell you we do have two FBI tip lines for you, that you can call if you have any information, 1-801-799-3000, also, the other tip line, 1-800-932-0190.

There is a $250,000 reward for any information that may lead to the arrest of that suspect. We are going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.

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