CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they are still searching for two suspects accused of kidnapping a a 17-year-old girl in west Charlotte, sexually assaulting her and taking her to Davidson County.
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At around 4 a.m. Saturday, three victims were walking on Millerton Avenue near West Morehead Street in west Charlotte when police said someone pulled up in a red Acura and got out with a handgun.
Officers said the armed person robbed all three victims. Two people then forced a 17-year-old girl at gunpoint into the Acura and drove away, officers said.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said on Saturday they spotted a car that matched the description of the one CMPD was looking for. They said a man was nearby and the teen victim was found nearby.
Deputies said the teenager identified the man as her kidnapper, but CMPD said the man is not one of the two suspects they are looking for.
That man is currently facing drug charges, but is not facing any charges connected to the kidnapping.
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Police said the victim was returned to Charlotte and interviewed by CMPD. She said a suspect fondled her during the drive from Charlotte to Davidson County while making verbal threats to harm her. Deputies said she was held at gunpoint against her will.
Video surveillance captured the suspect’s vehicle, which was stolen out of Monroe. Police are looking for a 2008 red Acura TSX, possibly with North Carolina registration JAB-3150.
Photos of the two alleged suspects show two males, one wearing a black and gold jacket and black hat, and the other wearing a green jacket.
“We walk to and from, constantly, from our cars. And just to know that it happened right here. It’s so concerning and it’s scary,” said Rachel Newberry, who lives in an apartment near Millerton Avenue.
Channel 9′s Gina Esposito spoke to Maia Terran with Safe Alliance, who said the nonprofit is here to support women like the 17-year-old who experienced trauma. Safe Alliance operates the Greater Charlotte Hope Line, a critical resource for victims of domestic and sexual assault.
“Trauma healing is definitely not a linear process. And so we definitely meet our clients where they are at,” Terran said.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is working with CMPD on the investigation.
“There are no islands here in North Carolina, we will work hand and hand to make Davidson Co and our neighbors a safe place,” Sheriff Richie Simmons said.
Anyone with information on who the suspects may be is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
No other details have been released at this point.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly said the man facing drug charges was charged with the abduction.
(WATCH BELOW: Police: Teens assault innocent people, ram stolen cars into gun store during 4-hour crime spree)
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