A Michigan man suspected of kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter from his ex-wife’s home in Pennsylvania on Sunday has been apprehended on Wednesday, still within the Keystone State.
Authorities reported that the young girl has been safely returned to her mother, while Jafar Almaarej is facing several charges, including kidnapping and issuing terroristic threats, according to WDIV.
“That’s the important thing, that the girl was safe,” said Millcreek Township Police Chief Carter Mook. “This situation could’ve been much worse.”
Detective Adam Hardner shared with WJBK that Almaarej traveled to Pennsylvania for a weekend visit. The mother, who retains full custody of the child, left her daughter with the father on Sunday while she went to work. Shortly thereafter, she received a text from Almaarej.
“Jafar sent her a text message stating that if she called law enforcement, they would have to search for their bones,” Hardner said.
The hunt for both the suspect and his daughter extended back to Dearborn, Almaarej’s place of residence, but his black Jeep Wrangler was last spotted still in Pennsylvania, close to Pittsburgh and approximately two hours away from Millcreek, where the mother resides.
US Marshals followed him back to Millcreek, where he turned himself in.
