Cal Ripken Mom Suspect Photo Released
Police have released photos of the man they suspect abducted the mother of Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. from her home in Aberdeen, Maryland. Following her disappearance she was found almost 24 hours later tied up in her car.
The suspect, who is believed to be in his late 30's or early 40's, was caught on surveillance footage and is seen wearing an orange and black baseball style cap, with a light colored shirt.
Along with the photos police have announced a $2,000 reward for any information that leads to the man's capture and conviction. On the reward poster the man is described as 5-feet-10, 180 pounds with short brown hair.
Authorities have reported that Ripken, 74, is now safe and resting with relatives following her ordeal. No motives have yet emerged in the kidnapping and no ransom was ever received. Police believe the suspect showed up at Ripken's home with a gun between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday. He is believed to have forced her into her vehicle before driving off with her inside.
However, less than 24 hours later, at about 6.15 a.m. on Wednesday Ripken was found in the back seat of the same vehicle near her hand. Her hands had been bound but she appeared to be unharmed, police have described.
"At this time I can say we know of no ransom demand," Aberdeen Police Chief Henry Trabert told reporters.
Authorities have described further that the abductor put sunglasses on Ripken and drove her around all day, making stops of gas and using her credit card to make purchases. No mention was made of Cal Ripken, and it appears that it is just coincidence that Cal's mother was abducted, and it was unrelated to him.
The Ripken family have released a statement in the aftermath of the ordeal: "This has been a very trying time for our family, but we are grateful and relieved that mom is back with us, safe and healthy."
Cal Ripken Jr. is a member of baseball's Hall of Fame. He holds the MLB record for playing in the most consecutive games, 2,632 over 16 years from 1982 to 1998.
