A Highland busker reported missing in the US amid fears he had drowned has been found safe and detained by police.
Kim Avis, also known as Kim Gordon, vanished after going swimming at California ‘s Moanstery Beach in March.
The Inverness street trader was detained by county officers in Monterey in the early hours of this morning.
A spokeswoman for Monterey Sheriff’s Office said this morning: “Today, we can report that 55-year old Kim Vincent Avis (aka Ken Gordon-Avis) was captured this morning by US Marshals in Colorado Springs, CO.
“In February, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Mr Avis’s juvenile son that his father did not return from a swim at Monastery Beach.
“Many resources were used, including a Coastguard helicopter, a Sheriff’s Office drone and our dive team to search for him with no success.
“Over the next few months, deputies worked with the US Marshals Service, Interpol, and Scottish authorities to secure an arrest and extradition warrant. Thanks to the efforts of the Norther District of California -San Francisco- U.S. Marshalls who were able to secure a warrant through Interpol and the Scottish authorities.
“Last week, US Marshals were able to track him to Colorado Springs due, in part, to a report in March that Mr Avis was spotted in Monterey county driving a newer white ford van in the Big Sur area.
“Avis is being held by US Marshals until his extradition hearing in Colorado Springs scheduled for later this month.”
A Police spokesman said: “Police Scotland is aware of reports from the USA regarding Kim Gordon or Avis and is liaising with the relevant authorities.”
Mr Avis had been due to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh in March to face five charges of rape and alleged child sex offences charges but a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear.
