Georgia teen found safe after alleged kidnapping; two suspects arrested in Jacksonville
A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing after an alleged kidnapping earlier this month has been found
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
A 13-year-old Georgia girl who was reported missing after an alleged kidnapping earlier this month has been found safe following a dramatic rescue at a Jacksonville, Florida, motel.
The teen was reported kidnapped from Baxley on July 16, prompting a multi-agency search involving local law enforcement, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Authorities said she was taken more than 130 miles from southeast Georgia to Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released body camera video showing officers locating the suspects and rescuing the teen.
According to the sheriff’s office, 42-year-old Jonathon Kelly attempted to flee as officers approached the motel room. Investigators said Kelly ran from the room, got into a vehicle, nearly struck a SWAT vehicle and crashed into the motel while trying to escape.
The 13-year-old was found unharmed during the operation.
Kelly and 32-year-old Giovannie Carter were arrested and now face multiple charges related to the case.
In a statement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office praised the coordinated effort among agencies, saying, “This is what happens when law enforcement agencies work together. Every second matters, and every life matters.”