Police Release Sketch & Surveillance Video Of Suspect In Vi Ripken Abduction
ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ)— There's new information on the man suspected of kidnapping the mother of Cal Ripken Jr. Aberdeen police are hoping new surveillance video and a composite sketch will help them track the suspect. Rochelle Ritchie has more from police.
Aberdeen police are the lead agency on this investigation. Despite help from the FBI, Maryland State Police and Harford County Sheriffs, there's still no arrest. The mayor says it's just a matter of time.
Surveillance video released Tuesday shows the man police say is responsible for the abduction of Vi Ripken.
"We're asking people in Anne Arundel County outside of the Aberdeen area to take a look at the video and see if they might be familiar with this individual," said Lt. Fred Budnick.
The 35-second video shows the suspect casually walking into a retail store on the day police say he kidnapped Ripken. He made a purchase and walked out. Police have also released a composite sketch of the suspect.
It was one week ago when Vi Ripken was in her garage and approached by the suspect with a gun. Police say Ripken was taken from her home between 7 and 8 a.m. last Tuesday. Her car was spotted in Essex around 8 p.m. A missing person's alert went out at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. She was found around 6 a.m. by a neighbor.
Ripken, 74, was tied up and thrown into the back of her car. The suspect took her on a terrifying ride for 24 hours.
The mayor of Aberdeen called the abduction unusual and troubling.
"I just can't recall anything like this," said Mayor Michael Bennett.
The city has received help from outside agencies and are hoping as more tips pour in, someone will come forward.
"Our investigators, the state police and FBI, are running down a myriad of tips and information, so I think it's just going to be a matter of time," said Bennett.
The Ripken family has not commented publicly about this case, only saying in a written statement they are thankful for Vi's safe return.
A $2,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to an arrest.
