COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – The search for a girl with autism who went missing in North Carolina has been called off after she was found safe Wednesday.

According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), 15-year-old Jettie Edwards went missing after last being seen around 9 p.m. on Dec. 16.

Officials said she was last seen wearing a pink sweatshirt, blue jeans and no shoes.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said crews searched for Edwards, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has joined..

The area she was believed to have gone missing in was searched on Wednesday with utility task vehicles, drones, helicopters and K-9s.

Rogers said Edwards was eventually found hiding underneath a hay bale less than a mile from her home.

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