JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WKRC) – A kidnapped teenage girl was rescued after a coordinated operation.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a 13-year-old girl who investigators said was kidnapped in Georgia was rescued from a Jacksonville motel after a coordinated operation involving local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Per the statement, the girl was found July 16 at a motel on Philips Highway after investigators tracked her location more than 130 miles from where she was allegedly abducted in Georgia.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team joined the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in the rescue operation.
Authorities said when officers arrived, 42-year-old Jonathon Kelly ran from the motel room, got into a vehicle and attempted to flee. Investigators said Kelly nearly struck a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle before crashing into the motel.
Jonathon Kelly is accused of trying to flee officers after a 13-year-old girl kidnapped in Georgia was rescued from a Jacksonville motel during a multi-agency law enforcement operation. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff’s office said the pursuit and crash were captured on officers’ body-worn cameras. Officials said they are not releasing video from inside the motel room where the girl was found because of legal and privacy concerns.
The girl was rescued safely and is receiving resources and support following the ordeal, according to authorities.
Kelly and 32-year-old Giovannie Carter are each facing multiple charges. Officials did not immediately release additional details about the charges.
The FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation are leading the investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the case demonstrates the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies during child rescue operations.