Father Questioned in 5-Year-Old's Abduction | NBC 10 Philadelphia
Authorities describe the suspect as a dark-skinned black woman in her 20s, standing 5-foot-8, wearing Muslim garb, who may have been pregnant. They also believe she has green or light eyes and may go by the name "Rashida."
They say that the suspect and victim walked away from the school and met with a man several blocks away at a nearby home.
That man, Police Captain John Darby says, is now a suspect.
He is described as a light-skinned, possibly white male, in his late 30s, with short, brown hair. He was last seen wearing sweatpants and a long-sleeved blue T-shirt. Police also say there may have been other adults involved.
Authorities believe the child was taken to a home not far from the school. They have narrowed the area down to a four-block radius with the school being the central point. That area is Spruce to Christian Street and 56th Street to Cobbs Creek Parkway. They are now going door to door with a description of the alleged abductors.
While in captivity, the victim was blindfolded and told to undress, according to police. She was given an adult T-shirt and at one point, was made to hide underneath a bed, Darby announced in Tuesday's press release.
Police believe the victim was targeted and say she was asked for by name at the school.
The girl, who was found on a 69th Street playground by
good Samaritan Nelson Mandela Myers, was missing for less than 24 hours.
Sources tell NBC10 the child was kept in a home overnight and that other children were also inside the home.
"Based on the evidence given to us, this little girl suffered conditions that no child should endure," said Captain Darby during the press conference.