NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - North Carolina Sisters Found In Tennessee

North Carolina Sisters Found In Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Two North Carolina sisters have been found in Tennessee after a statewide endangered child alert was issued.

Officials said 12-year-old Keara Hess and her 11-year-old sister Sierra Hess were reported missing on September 23.

The two were believed to be traveling to Tennessee with their adoptive father, Matthew Hess. Authorities said Keara is nearly 9 months pregnant and in need of medical attention.

Hess' 1993 Ford Explorer was seen traveling westbound on Interstate 40 near Cookeville. Troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle. Hess was being held at the Smith County Jail until he could be transported back to North Carolina.

Officials said the girls were unharmed. They were taken to a nearby hospital until arrangements could be made with the North Carolina Division of Social Services to return the girls home.