Two weeks after the kidnapping of a 5-year-old right out of her classroom at Bryant Elementary School, police have new information on a teenage girl who they consider a person of interest.
The lead was developed over the weekend from the victim herself.
"I credit this 5-year-old with being a real trooper," said Captain John Darby of the Special Victims Unit. "This young girl, when asked her name provided the name of "China."
Special victims investigators took the little girl back to the neighborhood Friday night and Saturday. She lead them to the 6200 block of Larchwood Street, right around the corner from the school.
Police believe she may have been held in a house somewhere nearby.
"Their path took them well into the 6200 block of Larchwood Street almost to 63rd. Street. At that point the child could not go any further," Capt. Darby explained.
"Somebody in this area knows," State Sen. Anthony Williams said. He's a man on a mission. He wants to help police find out who kidnapped the five year old girl and put those people behind bars as quickly as possible.
"Somebody in this area not only saw, but participated beyond the people who were involved, that's what my gut is telling me," he said. "Some people close to the situation."
Sen. Williams helped get the reward for the kidnappers raised to $80,000, a good chunk of the reward money came from Williams, who lives in the very same neighborhood where police believe the kidnappers took the little girl after she was abducted.
Williams thinks the break in the two week old case will come right from this community.
They have a name, some set of facts, some information that will crack this thing for us," Williams added.
As Williams presses the community for answers leading to some arrests, sources tell FOX 29 surveillance cameras at a local auto repair garage at 61st and Larchwood captured the female abductor and the 5-year-old walking down 61st towards Larchwood moments after the abduction. Where she went next could be the key to cracking the case.
"We're gonna keep pressing, we're gonna keep pushing because nobody deserves this, particularly an innocent beautiful little girl like this," Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross said.
The person of interest, named "China," is 14-17 years old and is described as a light skinned African American female with a thin build and long black straight hair.
Anyone with information should call the Special Victims Unit or the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:18:27 GMT
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:02:59 GMT
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:36:19 GMT
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy." With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy."With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-06-12 21:35:59 GMT
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:51 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:51:47 GMT
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:47 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:47:28 GMT
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:41:03 GMT
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light. The incident happened on May 1 around 8:30 p.m.
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:58:15 GMT
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation? FOX29's Mike Jerrick was out on the patio with some tips from the folks at Balance Chestnut Hill on "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning.
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:44 GMT
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:52:25 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:51:46 GMT
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:20 GMT
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
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