Atlanta, GA — A woman managed to escape from an alleged kidnapping attempt early Tuesday morning, running barefoot through a wooded area and flagging down a passing driver in a desperate bid to save her life, authorities confirmed.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, the woman, whose identity has not been released for safety reasons, was abducted just after 2:00 a.m. outside an apartment complex on the city’s west side. Investigators say she had been forced into a dark-colored SUV by two male suspects armed with a knife.
After nearly 30 minutes of being driven to an undisclosed location, the woman reportedly waited for the vehicle to slow down at a red light before kicking open the back door and running into the darkness.
A Desperate Escape
Witnesses told police they saw a “terrified woman sprinting across the road, waving her arms and screaming for help.” One driver, a 34-year-old delivery worker, pulled over and called 911 while helping her into his vehicle.
“She was crying, barefoot, and looked like she’d been running through the woods,” the witness told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “She just kept saying, ‘They tried to take me.’”
Investigation Underway
The woman was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, including cuts on her feet and wrists, but was released later that morning.
Police have recovered surveillance footage from nearby businesses and are reviewing it to identify the suspects. The vehicle has not yet been located.
Detectives confirmed the case is being treated as an attempted kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.
“Her quick thinking and courage likely saved her life,” said APD spokesperson Lt. Mariah Greene. “We’re urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
Expert Says Escape Tactics Worked
Security expert Daniel Ortiz says the woman’s actions — waiting for the right moment to escape and drawing public attention — are key techniques taught in self-defense courses.
“The average victim only has seconds to act,” Ortiz said. “In this case, she used them wisely.”
Community on Alert
Residents in the area have expressed concern, with many calling for increased street lighting and patrols.
“This is too close to home,” one resident said. “It could’ve been any of us.”
As of Wednesday morning, police have not announced any arrests. The investigation remains active.
