BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WSVN) — A teenage girl is lucky to be alive after she made a risky escape from an abductor.
The 17-year-old was on her way to school when, police said, a driver in a gray Toyota sedan approached her and lured her into the car. Surveillance video captured the moment when the teen jumped out of the car to escape the kidnaper. "The operator is a Hispanic female in her 40s," said Bridgeport Police spokesperson Kevin Coughlin. "She has freckles, long black hair and a pony tail."
Neighbors who witnessed the incident said they fear for the safety of their children. "Because I have a kid that goes to school every day, and it’s very dangerous out here," said Ebony Ortiz, a Bridgeport resident.
For Sieglinde Morales, the case hits home for her. "It’s just so devastating," said Morales. "It gives me actually a flashback of my own kids, they were kidnapped twice by their father."
The parents of the teen said they’re thankful their daughter is safe.
Police are still searching for the suspect and the car, which has a distinctive feature. "It is missing its rear bumper, so the white styrofoam is showing," said Coughlin.