Suspect in Cody kidnapping held in Mont. jail

Wyoming authorities say a 39-year-old Montana man has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of an 11-year-old girl in Wyoming.

They haven’t identified the man arrested in Belgrade, Mont., but jail records indicate a 39-year-old named Jesse Paul Speer was booked over the weekend on a hold for Wyoming, with bond set at $2 million.

He’s awaiting extradition to Wyoming after being arrested for investigation of kidnapping, aggravated assault and felony use of a weapon.

Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam says investigators relied on video surveillance tapes from businesses to identify the vehicle involved in the taking of the Cody girl, who has been returned to her family.

Without giving details, he says law enforcement officials at Yellowstone National Park were able to provide a license plate number for the vehicle, which led to the arrest.