A suspect has been arrested and charged in the kidnapping of a Memphis mom.
Eliza Fletcher, 34, was jogging near the University of Memphis around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, September 2, when she was abducted. The mom of two and kindergarten teacher was approached by an "unknown individual" and forced into a dark-colored SUV, Memphis police revealed in a statement.
The teacher, who is still missing, was wearing a pink top and purple jogging shorts.
On Saturday, Fletcher's family spoke during a news conference. "Liza has touched the hearts of many people," Michael Keeney, the uncle of the victim, said. "The family has met with police, and we have shared with them all the information we know," he continued. "More than anything we want to see Liza returned home safely."
Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, police revealed that a "vehicle of interest" had been located. The driver, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston, was detained for questioning. On Sunday, he was charged with aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence, police revealed. "The vehicle of interest has been located and a male who was occupying the vehicle has been detained," police announced on Twitter.
Another man was also arrested at the same time, but police say he is not believed to be connected to the abduction. Mario Abston, 36, was charged with drug and firearm offenses.
Fletcher's family put up a $50,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
Fletcher's personal items, included her damaged phone, were found near the scene. Police say the missing teacher is white with brown hair and green eyes. She's about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 137 pounds.
Fletcher's family remains hopeful that she will be found unharmed. On Saturday, a family member tweeted a call for action. "Twitter! Let’s find my cousin Liza! #memphis #elizafletcher," user Quin Breland wrote. He also shared an article about her kidnapping.
