Woman kidnapped while jogging near Memphis University, police say
A woman jogging early Friday was abducted near the University of Memphis, police said.
The woman, Eliza Fletcher, 34, was jogging at around 4:20 a.m. when a ‘stranger’ approached her and forced her into a dark-colored SUV in the Central Avenue and Zach H Curlin Street, Memphis police said in a statement. statement.
Fletcher’s personal items were recovered but she was not found. At the time of the abduction, she was wearing purple jogging shorts and a pink top.
Shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday, Memphis police announced that a “vehicle of interest” had been located and its driver arrested for questioning.
“Eliza Fletcher has not been located,” the department said. tweeted. “This is an ongoing investigation.”
The FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were assisting in the search for the avid runner, kindergarten teacher and mother of two.
At a news conference on Saturday, police said security video evidence of a possible abduction raised the priority of the case as it moved from a missing person to a kidnapping.
On Saturday, family members, who call her Liza, released a statement read by Fletcher’s uncle, Michael Keeney.
“Liza touched the hearts of many people,” he said, noting an outpouring of support and goodwill.
“The family has met with the police and we’ve shared with them all the information we know,” Keeney said. “More than anything, we want to see Liza get home safely.”
The family offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his safe return, according to NBC affiliate WMC.
Daniela Mencos and Anthony Cusumano contributed.