Girl, 4, expected to reunite with family today after alleged kidnapping from Florida home

LAKELAND, FL (WFLA) – They waited and prayed throughout a nerve-racking, gut wrenching weekend. For the family of four-year-old Rebecca Lewis, it was 48 hours of torture. Finally, their prayers were answered Monday afternoon when they received the news that Becky was found safe at a Memphis hospital.

The anticipation grows even stronger for her family as they anxiously await Becky’s arrival back in Polk County. The four-year-old was found Monday with a family friend, 31-year-old West Hogs.

An alert security guard and a nurse at the Memphis hospital spotted the two. This comes after a nationwide search, spawned by an Amber Alert that began Saturday. Multiple agencies became involved in the search. Relatives hugged members of law enforcement and one another when they heard Becky had been found.

“When we can recover a baby, it’s a great day,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Becky appears to be in great spirits, happy and healthy, seen on video in the care of the Memphis Police Department.

“The weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. Now just go get her and bring her home to us,” said Becky’s grandmother through tears as she addressed members of the media.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office anticipates Becky will return to her family on Tuesday.

Many questions remain as to why Hogs would take this little girl and go on the run. The two were seen on multiple surveillance cameras throughout the southeast as they made their way to Tennessee.

The family pleaded throughout the weekend for Becky’s safe return. The sheriff and family members credit Facebook as being a big part of the rescue. Becky’s story and photograph were shared thousands of times.

West Hogs is scheduled to make a court appearance on Tuesday morning in Memphis. It is not known what charges he will face, or whether or not he will return to Polk County to face charges in Tampa Bay.