Michele Hundley Smith, 62, was arrested in Robeson County, North Carolina, on an outstanding warrant dating back to 2001. The warrant stemmed from her failure to appear in court for a driving while intoxicated charge issued by Eden police in November 2001. Smith had been missing for 24 years before being found safe this month.

Smith vanished in December 2001 at age 38 while reportedly traveling to a Kmart in Virginia for Christmas shopping. Her disappearance baffled investigators in Eden, a town of about 15,500 residents. A tip on Feb. 19 led detectives to locate her at an undisclosed location within North Carolina. At her request, her whereabouts remain confidential, though her family was notified of her discovery.

Authorities confirmed no charges are connected to her disappearance, and Smith indicated she left due to domestic issues. Her daughter Amanda Smith, who has led the search effort, expressed mixed emotions about the reunion. The Rockingham County District Attorney's office is conducting a full review of the case as Smith prepares for her March 26 court appearance.