Missing Charlotte mother, daughter found safe in Missouri, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte mother and her 8-year-old daughter, who authorities have been seeking for the past two days, have been found safe in Missouri, police announced Wednesday morning.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department told Channel 9 that Megan Stack and her daughter Ava were found in Franklin County, Missouri, near St. Louis, after Stack voluntarily stopped at an emergency medical services substation.

Both appeared to be OK, police said.

"The important thing I think we can really report is that both Megan and Ava are both physically fine. They are in great condition," CMPD spokesperson Rob Tufano said.

CMPD said Stack was taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation, while her daughter was in the process of being reunited with family members.

There was no immediate word about why the woman drove to Missouri, but police said she called relatives around midnight from Oklahoma and told them she and Ava were OK.

[PHOTOS: Missing Charlotte mother, 8-year-old daughter]

CMPD officials said Stack, 33, was last seen Monday leaving her home on Cloister Drive around 1:30 p.m.

Stack picked up her 8-year-old daughter, Ava, around 3:15 p.m. Monday from Bain Elementary School in Mint Hill, according to Ava's father, Timothy Lybarger.

Authorities said Stack and her daughter never returned to their house.

Police said because of Stack's emotional state and recent behavior, there was a serious concern for their safety.

Lybarger told Channel 9 that he believed Stack didn’t have a grasp on reality. He said that, during a recent conversation, she kept telling him people were after her and that she didn’t want to die.

On Wednesday, Lybarger’s attorney issued the following statement on his behalf:

"Mr. Lybarger and his family are relieved that Ava and her mother, Ms. Stack, were found safe and unharmed this morning. Mr. Lybarger has made arrangements for Ava to be safely transported back to her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she will be reunited with her family.

"Mr. Lybarger and his family would like to thank local law enforcement, including the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, for their tireless efforts, as well as local news stations for their continued coverage of this matter. Mr. Lybarger is especially grateful for the overwhelming amount of support, prayers, and vigilance from the public throughout this search effort.

"On behalf of the Lybarger family, I would ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time as they recover after a difficult couple of days.”

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