TENNESSEE, USA — A 3-year-old Gallatin boy and his 16-year-old cousin have been found safe after a weeks-long search, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday.
Noah Clare had disappeared sometime around November 6, and the boy's father -- Jacob Clare -- was wanted for his kidnapping.
On Thursday, the TBI said they found them after their search led them to San Clemente, California. Jacob Clare was arrested for especially aggravated kidnapping.
NBC-affiliate WSMV in Nashville interviewed Jacob Clare’s mother, who pleaded for her son to return home with her two grandchildren.
Bonnie Krpata said Jacob was "the best dad to Noah" up until this point, and begged for him to do the right thing.
“I would say ‘I love you,’” Krpata said. "I love all my kids no matter what, but this isn’t right. I just need him to bring them home. It is tearing everybody apart. I love my son. This is not the way. I love my grandbabies more.”
Krpata said the past week and a half had been excruciating for the family after police said Jake was believed to have taken off with her grandchild, 3-year-old Noah.
Krpata said Jacob was distraught about not having more time with his son, Noah.
Noah’s mother lives in Gallatin, and Krpata said Jacob had been trying to get overnight stays with Noah after only having day visits with him.
A few months ago, Krpata said Jakob got a trailer in Ohio County, Kentucky, and was then allowed to have Noah come to stay with him every other weekend.
Krpata said she believed the alleged kidnapping was planned for some time.
Krpata said she wanted her grandchildren back.
"That is your choice. It is not right. I love you, but you got to bring the babies home,” Krpata said when asked what message she has for her son.