Edwards and the 14-year-old Clark County girl he was with had been on the run since Tuesday night after her mother called 911 to report her daughter missing from her German Twp. home on Faux Satin Drive.
Brandon said he hadn't seen his friend for a long time until he spotted the pair near the Clark gas station at Selma Pike and Sunset Avenue in Springfield.
Brandon said they discussed the seriousness of their situation. He said Edwards and the girl seemed surprised to learn the FBI and U.S. Marshal's Office had joined the search.
Brandon characterized Edwards as "religious and respectful," and that "the situation he got himself into is one that, is confusing to a lot of people."
"I want everybody to know there was no danger for her," he said "It was Mark being a good guy rescuing her from whatever she was going through".
Brandon said Edwards eventually agreed to stop running and end the manhunt.
But police were already en route to the location after getting a 911 call from another witness.
Police pulled up behind Brandon's van during their conversation.
Edwards is already charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and interference with custody because of his relationship with the girl. He is set to go to trial on Tuesday.
He could face additional charges from the three-day manhunt.
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