Philadelphia authorities have released a chilling video of Carlesha Freeland-Gaither, 22, apparently being chased a block down a street in the Germantown area of northwestern Philadelphia at 9:40 p.m. and forced into a car by an unknown abductor. She is seen in the video kicking out one of the vehicle's rear windows. Broken glass was found on the street where the abduction took place.
Police are now asking for help with any information that would help identify the abductor and lead to the rescue of Freeland-Gaither. According to reports, they have offered up a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide information.
Witnesses on the night of Nov. 2 said that they heard Freeland-Gaither screaming for help as her abductor made her get into a four-door vehicle that may have been a dark gray Ford Taurus.
The video shows her abductor parking his car just out of view of the surveillance camera. Time passes and the man is seen walking towards the victim on the other side of the street. She attempts to run away, but he chases her and drags her back to his car before driving away. Witnesses said they saw her drop her glasses as well as her phone as she was being taken.
Freeland-Gaithers' father is imploring her abductor to return her safely home.
"Just let my daughter go. Whatever you want, whatever you're asking for, I'll give it to you," he told CBS Philly.
Lt. John Stanford, spokesperson for the Philadelphia police, said that they believe the abductor may have been watching her for some time. The victim was fighting for her life; she may not have known her attacker. They believe she is in danger and are hoping that someone who recognizes the abductor in the released video would come forward to help identify him.
The video also displays the following information in order to gather confidential tips to help the police find Freeland-Gaithers and her attacker.
If you see this suspect, do not approach him. Contact 911 immediately.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
All tips will be confidential.
If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact:
Northwest
Detective Division
215-686-3353/3354
Det. Sloan #891
DC# 14-14-086747
