Authorities say the vehicle believed to have been involved in the attempted abduction of a 17-year-old girl who was snatched on her way to school earlier this week has been located.
The vehicle, a Toyota Yaris, was found in New Haven and is being held in Bridgeport, Connecticut, police said. Police say they have identified a female suspect but she is not in custody at this time.
"We are very hopeful an arrest is imminent," Bridgeport Police Assistant Chief James Nardozzi said.
The teenager was walking to school on Boston Avenue around 7:15 a.m. Monday when the driver of the Toyota lured her into the car simply by saying something to the effect of, "It's cold out this morning, can I give you a ride to school?," according to Nardozzi.
The driver attacked her once she was inside, according to police.
Video surveillance police released shows a four-door sedan driving when the back right car door opens and a person who looks like the teenager tumbles out of the car. The suspect's car then pulls a U-turn, doubles back on the opposite side of the road and keeps going.
The victim "bailed out" of the car while it was headed west on Boston Avenue, police said.
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The Toyota made a U-turn at Dover Street and then drove east on Boston Avenue and passed into Stratford, police said.
The incident has left parents in the area on edge.
"I don't feel safe for my boys walking around here now," said Cynthia Rucker. "Anything could happen."
Esterina Peterbilal said, "I'm so scared now. I have to be very careful about my kids."
