A Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, woman was rescued thanks to her quick thinking in an unimaginable situation. Pennsylvania state troopers pulled over a man driving a truck southbound on Pottsville Pike in Perry Township shortly before midnight February 10. During the moving violations stop, a passenger in the truck “discreetly alerted troopers to possible criminal activity,” and she was removed from the vehicle.
Zuleika Santiago-Schomburg, 34, who was reported missing earlier that day, was reportedly being held against her will. She had last been seen near State Route 29 and State Route 11 in Luzerne, KNews Media reported.
The driver of the truck is still at large.
The driver allegedly provided fictitious identification but is described as a white man between the ages of 45 and 50. He left the traffic stop in his maroon 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 driving away very fast, according to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police. His truck was last seen on Birch Hill Road in Perry Township, Pennsylvania.
The vehicle is registered in Ohio. Its license plate number is PLM3548. The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding the truck driver.
Although additional details surrounding the abduction have not been made public, authorities are asking for any tips that may lead them to the suspect.
Anyone who knows anything or who sees the vehicle in question is urged to call Trooper John Reiter of the Hamburg Station at 610-562-6885.
If an abduction occurs, there are several ways to escape.
Some key tips exist to get a favorable outcome in a vehicular abduction, according to the automotive site Motor Biscuit.
If the individual is placed in the trunk, they should search for the emergency trunk lever or cable trunk release. “Pull up the carpet on the trunk’s floor or pull off the cardboard paneling and feel for a cable. It is usually on the driver’s side of the vehicle,” the website notes.
In absence of a trunk lever or cable, the spare tire jack should be under the carpet. Place it on the trunk floor and begin winding up the jack so the pressue will open the trunk.
The ability to recall information and having access to your phone is a literal life saver.
If out of sight and hearing of abductors, the police should be called and given as much information as possible. Otherwise, discreetly texting family and friends with any information, from the appearance of the kidnappers and vehicles, such as any distinctive features, to locations that have passed is advised, Motor Biscuit explains.
Use hand gestures and facial expressions to indicate to other drivers that help is required immediately. From the passenger side, victims may be able to beep the horn or even to pull the emergency brake or hit the brake lights to get attention.
