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CAIRO, Ga. (WALB) – A high-stakes traffic stop in Grady County has led to the arrest of a man wanted for human trafficking and the rescue of a young victim held captive for nearly a month.

Matthew Malik Harris, 24, was taken into custody Monday night following a traffic stop and short pursuit along Highway 112 and Hartsfield Road. During the chase, Harris reportedly threw a weapon out of the vehicle, which was later recovered by authorities.

According to the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Harris was wanted on human trafficking charges out of Escambia County, Florida. Inside the vehicle with Harris were two other individuals—including one victim of sexual trafficking who officials say had been held against her will for three weeks. The second passenger has not yet been identified publicly.

Harris was detained, transported to the Grady County Jail where he remains in custody, and charged with human trafficking. Authorities confirmed that the rescued victim has since been reunited with her family.

The case is still under active investigation by the GBI and local law enforcement. More information is expected as the investigation continues.

Stay with WALB for the latest updates, Katelyn Barker will have more on this developing story.

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