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CNN Live Saturday

Police Look for Acquaintance of Elizabeth Smart

Aired June 08, 2002 - 12:10   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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And now on to Salt Lake City, Utah for the latest details on the kidnapping of a 14-year-old girl.

Police are focusing today on a man they say met Elizabeth Smart in a social setting. They say he's not a suspect, but may have some information that could help track the 14-year-old down.

CNN national correspondent Frank Buckley joins us live with more on that.

Hi, there, Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, SALT LAKE CITY: Hi, Fredricka.

Police wouldn't say what that social setting was. They say they don't know this man's name, but they thought that by getting his sketch out through the media, they would help to locate him more quickly than they could locate him themselves.

So here is the sketch that we are talking about of a man described as a white male in his late 30s to early 40s, 5'6" to 5'8", ruddy complexion with lines on his face, possibly a gold ring in his right ear and missing a front tooth.

He has light brown hair. He sometimes wears a red Rastafarian hat.

Here's what police are saying about why they want to speak with him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CAPT. SCOTT ATKINSON, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: Elizabeth has had contact with this man prior to the events that occurred.

This man is not a suspect. He's wanted so that we can have some questions that would help us in this investigation.

We're asking for your help in locating this man.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: Elizabeth Smart remains missing. The family members today said that they know in their hearts that she is still alive. They are still hopeful that she will be home soon.

And just a few moments ago, Elizabeth Smart's parents -- Edward and Lois Smart -- walked through the volunteer center here, just to thank the thousands of people who have come out. Nearly 1,000 people, maybe even more than 1,000 people per day, coming out to help in the search for Elizabeth Smart.

And then, in an incredible moment of graciousness, they came out and actually thanked members of the media.

They will be speaking at four o'clock to the media. We will have more on that later.

Fredricka, back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks very much, Frank, from Salt Lake City.

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