Dramatic body cam video shows kidnapping suspect crash into motel during rescue of Georgia girl
A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing after an alleged kidnapping earlier this month has been found
Newly released body cam video shows a kidnapping suspect nearly struck a SWAT vehicle before crashing into a motel as officers rescued a 13-year-old girl abducted from her South Georgia home.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said its SWAT team worked with the FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation to find the girl unharmed July 16 at the Scottish Inn on Philips Highway, more than 130 miles from where she was taken.
Video of the emergency response and arrests was released during the weekend.
Suspect attempts to flee
As officers arrived, 42-year-old Jonathon Kelly ran from the motel room, got into a vehicle and tried to escape, according to the sheriff’s office. He nearly hit a SWAT vehicle before crashing into the motel.
The footage captures the attempted escape and crash. The agency withheld video from inside the room where officers found the girl, citing legal and privacy concerns.
Abduction prompts Amber Alert
Authorities said 32-year-old Giovannie Carter, the girl’s biological mother, did not have custodial rights when she allegedly entered a home on James Drive in Baxley armed with a knife.
Investigators said Carter and Kelly took the girl from the home, prompting authorities to issue an Amber Alert and seek help from state and federal agencies.
Carter is expected to face charges including kidnapping, home invasion and aggravated assault. Kelly is expected to face charges including kidnapping, home invasion and a probation violation, along with additional charges in Jacksonville.
The FBI and GBI are leading the investigation, which also involved Baxley police, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services.
The girl is receiving resources and support after the ordeal, authorities said.
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