Woman Abducted In Germantown Found Alive In Maryland
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A woman who was abducted off of a Philadelphia street has been found alive in Maryland, authorities announced Wednesday.
"Tonight, the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department have great news that Carlesha Freeland has been rescued, her abductor has been arrested in Maryland," said Ed Hanko, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia Division.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and Special Agent Ed Hanko of the FBI held a press conference Wednesday night to make the announcement.
The suspect has been identified by authorities as 37-year-old Delvin Barnes.
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Authorities say he is being currently held on a warrant based out of the Charles City County, Virginia Sheriff's Office from a previous case that he was being investigated for. They said he will then be charged federally with crimes in Philadelphia.
"Right from the night of the kidnapping the Philadelphia Police Department and the FBI have been working tirelessly to try to solve this case. With the help of the media and many, many citizens who called in tips, we were able to identify this individual, identify his car, and track it into Maryland," Hanko said.
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Authorities say a Task Force from the Baltimore FBI Office located the vehicle in Jessup, Maryland. Hanko said when the subject exited the vehicle, he was apprehended, and that's when Freeland-Gaither was found.
Hanko said she was taken to a hospital for some injuries, but is in good shape.
At the press conference, Carlesha's mother, Keisha Gaither, thanked the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI, the public, family and friends.
"Thank you so much for having us in your prayers. Thank you for keeping me up. Thank you for being there for us. I'm taking my baby home. Thank you. Thank you so much," Gaither said.
Carlesha's mother also thanked a detective who made a promise to her.
"He sat in my kitchen in front of me and told me 'I'm bringing your daughter home. I'm bringing your daughter home.' I said 'all right.' He said no' I'm bringing your daughter home.' And he brought my baby home. He brought her right home," Gaither said.
Authorities say the investigation continues.
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