A Michigan man turned himself into the police after being accused of kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter from Pennsylvania and making threatening statements to his ex-wife.
Details of the Kidnapping Incident
Jafar Almaarej, 39, had been on the run after an alleged incident in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he visited his ex-wife for a scheduled custody visit with their daughter. According to police, while the mother was at work on Sunday, Almaarej sent her a text message saying he was leaving with their daughter.
Almaarej also allegedly warned his ex-wife that if she called the police, they would have to “search for their bones.”
Search and Arrest
Millcreek Township Police in Pennsylvania, who had been searching for Almaarej, were able to confirm that he turned himself in at around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Police Chief Carter Mook confirmed that the child was safe and had been reunited with her mother.
Almaarej was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. He faces charges, including kidnapping and making terroristic threats.
Custody and Protection Order
Almaarej’s ex-wife has sole custody of their daughter and had a protection order in place that prohibited him from contacting her or their child. However, despite the order, the mother apparently left the 7-year-old with Almaarej while she went to work on Sunday.
Search Expands to Michigan
After Almaarej allegedly took their daughter, police initially focused their search on Erie County and nearby areas. However, they later expanded the search to Dearborn, Michigan, where Almaarej resides. Authorities believe Almaarej may have switched license plates on his black Jeep Wrangler while he was on the run.
Almaarej’s arrest ends a tense manhunt, and his daughter is now safe with her mother. Authorities are continuing with the investigation, and Almaarej faces serious charges.
