A jogging woman was kidnapped near the University of Memphis early Friday, police said.
Memphis police said the 34-year-old woman, Eliza Fletcher, was jogging around 4:20 a.m. when an “unidentified person” approached her and forced her into a dark vehicle in the Central Avenue and Zach H Curlin Street area. Driving on an SUV.One statement.
Fletcher’s personal belongings have been recovered but have not yet been found. She was wearing purple jogging shorts and a pink top when she was kidnapped.
Shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday, Memphis police announced they had located a “vehicle of interest” and detained its driver for questioning.
‘Eliza Fletcher was not found,’ the department Tweet. “This is an ongoing investigation.”
The FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are assisting in the search for the avid runner, kindergarten teacher and mother of two.
At a news conference Saturday, police said security video evidence of a possible kidnapping raised the priority of the case as it shifted from missing persons to kidnapping.
On Saturday, members of the family calling her Lisa released a statement read by Fletcher’s uncle Michael Keaney.
“Lisa touched the hearts of many people,” he said, noting the overwhelming amount of support and kindness.
“The family has met with police and we have shared with them all the information we know,” Keaney said. “The most we want is to see Lisa come home safely.”
The family has offered a $50,000 reward for information on her safe return, according to NBC affiliate WMC.
Daniela Mencos and Anthony Cusumano contributed.