U.S.

Kidnapped Philadelphia Woman Found Alive In Maryland

Law enforcement officials say evidence and tips from the community helped lead them to Carlesha Freeland-Gaither and her alleged kidnapper.

Kidnapped Philadelphia Woman Found Alive In Maryland
Philadelphia Police Department

FBI agents said Wednesday night they've found an abducted Philadelphia woman alive in Jessup, Maryland. And her alleged kidnapper has been taken into custody. 

Local reporters say Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was found in the car of 37-year-old Delven Barnes. He is the man charged with kidnapping her. (Video via KYW-TV)

Freeland-Gaither's abduction Sunday was caught on surveillance camera — in the video, you can see a man forcing the 22-year-old woman into his car. (Video via Philadelphia Police Department)

Another surveillance video released Wednesday gave the public a clearer look at a suspect entering a convenience store. (Video via Philadelphia Police Department)

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, newer evidence — "a receipt from an Acme in Rhawnhurst, a broken key chain, smashed glass, a zip tie and an empty Herr's potato chip bag" — was found at a Maryland residence. But according to law enforcement, tips and other information from the community led FBI agents to Barnes. 

SPECIAL AGENT ED HANKO VIA WCAU: "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." 

It isn't clear if Barnes is the same man pictured in the surveillance video, but he is currently being held on charges from this case and others stemming from a previous case. Freeland-Gaither is currently being hospitalized with minor injuries.