Police have provided a significant update following an incident where a woman was seemingly abducted outside her residence, captured by a doorbell camera. The event took place in Wichita, Kansas, around 2 am on Sunday, with the woman being seized by a man. A 22-year-old suspect has been apprehended in connection with the occurrence, which authorities have linked to suspected domestic violence.
Video footage from the doorbell depicted the 35-year-old woman screaming as she was forcibly taken from behind. She was observed in a black top and shorts at the time of the incident. Subsequently, she was pulled out of the camera’s view. The Wichita Police Department (WPD) confirmed on Tuesday that the woman was found unharmed.
Authorities stated, “At this point in the investigation, we believe this event involves a domestic violence situation between the woman and her partner,” emphasizing that the woman did not sustain significant injuries. They further assured, “We have no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.” A spokesperson for the police announced the arrest made in connection with the case.
“In the evening at approximately 7 pm, officers from the Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and detained a 22-year-old male linked to the doorbell surveillance incident,” the police stated. The individual faces charges including aggravated battery strangulation, two counts of domestic simple battery, and criminal restraint.
The case details will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for potential formal charges. Before the woman’s discovery and the boyfriend’s arrest, a reward of $2,000 (£1,496) was offered by the authorities. The WPD expressed gratitude to the public for sharing the video and images that led to the woman contacting them.
The incident of the apparent abduction has raised concerns among neighbors, prompting reflections on past incidents. Resident Angelica Verduzco voiced her worries, stating, “It’s perilous. That’s the reality. But, I’ve always believed kidnappings have been happening.”