DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A woman is in the hospital after her family said she was kidnapped, badly burned and suffered cut wounds across her face and body.
The victim’s family said it occurred as she was leaving an accounting firm where she works along Montreal Road on Wednesday evening on March 26. It’s unclear the exact time of the kidnapping, but the business closes around 5:30 p.m. The victim’s family believes it happened a short time after closing.
The family said a man approached the victim, demanding she let him in the business, but when she refused, the family said the man forced the woman into her vehicle. He then made her drive to an ATM, demanding her to withdraw money. During this time, the family said the man cut the woman across her body, including her face. At some point, they said the man also burned her face.
This assault continued, the family said, adding that the woman was in her 60s. The man then forced her to drive back to her job, where she managed to get away. The victim was able to drive a few hundred yards down Montreal Road to DeKalb County Fire Station 22.
DeKalb County Fire Captain Shaneqwa Eafford said everyone at the station was asleep except for one crew member. The woman pulled into the parking lot, making enough noise to get the crew member’s attention, who then woke up the other firefighters, including Captain Eafford.
“Here in DeKalb, anything can happen, but a walk-up like that, I believe it is rare,” Eafford said.
The fire station notified the police. DeKalb County Police confirmed their officers were dispatched to the area around 9 p.m. regarding a kidnapping and assault.
Eafford said, fortunately, on this night, the entire crew was at the base, including their ambulance.
“We had a DeKalb Fire Rescue transport unit in the house that was able to take her immediately; no wait at all,” Eafford said.
“It was a blessing for her to be able to come to us and for us to be here as well,” Eafford said.
She said she was glad they were not out on a call when the woman showed up.
“It’s an unusual thing to have someone come to us in such a state,” Eafford said.
DeKalb County Police haven’t released any information on the suspect. Police did confirm detectives have been working to collect evidence to help identify the suspect and track the person down.
The victim’s family said she remains in the hospital and has undergone at least one surgery since the attack.
Anyone with information is urged to call DeKalb County Police. Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by phone at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or by E-mail using the form that's online. Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward with information leading to the arrest of the suspect. The victim’s family said they’re also offering a cash reward to help put the suspect behind bars.