Authorities released a sketch of a tattoo-faced man on Wednesday afternoon, in connection with a young girl who disappeared from her North Carolina home on Tuesday. Police indicated that the man in the sketch is only a person of interest at this time, but are asking the public to be on the lookout.

The Post and Courier reports that Mayor John Tecklenburg provided the photo during press conference on Wednesday. Tecklenburg indicated that the man in the sketch had been around a wooded area behind the victims’ home in the previous day before 4-year-old Heidi Todd disappeared from her Johns Lake residence. Heidi was reported missing from 2985 Sweetleaf Lane at around 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

The child’s mother was beaten brutally by an “unwanted guest” in her home, who reportedly broke so many bones in her face that she’ll need to undergo surgery. However, police reported that she’s hanging in there and “doing fine,” despite the circumstances.

 

Authorities said that the mother, whose name hasn’t been released to the public, said that a “skinny” Hispanic male, wearing all grey, attacked her. He appeared to be anywhere from his mid to late 20s.

“The individual was not invited into the residence,”Interim Chief Jerome Taylor of the Charleston Police Department said during Wednesday’s press conference. “We are trying to unravel the entire motive, leaving no stones unturned.”

According to a press release earlier this afternoon, the family has four other children. Two were inside the home when Heidi disappeared and two were at school. The mother failed to pick up the two kids from school on the day in question, which led to school officials calling police. The father was out of town training with the U.S. Coast Guard when the incident occurred.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities didn’t issue an AMBER Alert on the child, as there is no information about what, if any, vehicle was used to abduct her. Officials said they still do not have sufficient evidence needed  that would help people identify and locate a suspect. Police officers declined to say whether the public is in immediate danger.

Heidi was last seen wearing a blue shirt and pink pants. She has curly brown hair and hazel-brown eyes

“Heidi is a bright, precious young child,” Tecklenburg said during a press speech on Wednesday. “The wish and prayer of the Todd family is simply to find Heidi safely.”

Check back CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Charleston PD]