7-Year-Old Minnesota Girl Abducted After Getting Off School Bus; Suspect Arrested Within Hours
ZIMMERMAN, Minnesota — A 7-year-old girl was abducted in broad daylight after getting off her school bus on January 21, 2026, prompting an Amber Alert and a frantic multi-county search that ended with her safe recovery and the arrest of a 28-year-old man.
The Abduction
According to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time in Zimmerman, Minnesota, when the young girl exited her school bus and began walking home. What should have been a routine afternoon turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when the child failed to arrive at her residence.
Family members reported the girl missing at approximately 6:30 p.m., triggering an immediate response from law enforcement. Despite an extensive search involving first responders and community volunteers, investigators initially had no confirmation that the child had been taken from the area in a vehicle.
The Investigation Unfolds
By 9:30 p.m., authorities issued a community notification about the missing child, including a description of a black passenger car spotted following the school bus. However, this lead proved to be a false trail, and the vehicle was ultimately determined not to be involved in the abduction.
At 11:40 p.m., after receiving information suggesting the girl had been abducted, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office issued an Amber Alert. Through investigative work and technology, detectives identified a white Dodge Ram pickup truck as the suspect vehicle and sent an emergency alert to law enforcement agencies across the region at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Swift Recovery
The breakthrough came just 30 minutes later when Freeborn County authorities located the suspect vehicle and found the 7-year-old girl inside, unharmed. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Joseph Andrew Bragg, was taken into custody without incident.
“This is every family’s worst nightmare,” said Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans during a press conference following the rescue.
About the Suspect
Investigators revealed that Bragg had no significant prior criminal history, adding a disturbing layer to the case. However, several local mothers came forward reporting that Bragg had contacted them through social media after they posted online advertisements seeking nannies and babysitters.
Authorities are continuing to investigate why Bragg specifically traveled to Zimmerman and targeted this particular child, raising questions about whether this was a crime of opportunity or if there was premeditation involved.
A Community on Edge
The brazen nature of the abduction—occurring in daylight immediately after a child exited a school bus—has left the Zimmerman community shaken. The case highlights vulnerabilities in the moments when children transition from supervised school transportation to home, even in seemingly safe suburban neighborhoods.
“This is every family’s worst nightmare,” Evans reiterated, using the case as a springboard to urge parents statewide to reinforce safety protocols with their children.
Safety Recommendations
In the wake of the incident, law enforcement officials emphasized several key safety measures for families:
Stranger danger conversations: Regularly discuss with children how to respond to unfamiliar adults, both in person and online
Pickup procedures: Establish and rehearse clear protocols for who is authorized to meet children at bus stops or school
Communication plans: Ensure children know how to contact parents or emergency services if something feels wrong
Awareness of surroundings: Teach children to notice and report unusual vehicles or behavior near school routes
Ongoing Investigation
While the child was recovered safely and Bragg faces charges related to the abduction, investigators are working to determine the full scope of the suspect’s activities. The use of social media to contact mothers seeking childcare assistance suggests Bragg may have been attempting to gain access to children through legitimate-seeming channels.
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office has indicated they will continue examining Bragg’s digital footprint and any potential connections to other cases or attempted contacts with families in the region.
Case Status
Joseph Andrew Bragg remains in custody as prosecutors prepare charges related to the abduction. The 7-year-old victim has been reunited with her family, though the psychological impact of such a traumatic experience will likely require ongoing support and counseling.
For families in Zimmerman and across Minnesota, the case serves as a stark reminder that vigilance remains essential—even during routine daily activities that have long been considered safe.
This case is being actively investigated by the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Anyone with information related to this incident or potential related activities is urged to contact local law enforcement.