Suspect arrested, victim found in possible abduction case

TERRE HAUTE, IND (WTHI) - UPDATE: The suspect involved in what was originally believed to be an abduction is now in police custody.

Around 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Police said reports came in of a man possibly abducting a woman near the Juvenile Justice Center in Terre Haute, Ind.

The surveillance video from the center captured the incident and clearly showed a man forcing a woman into a van.

Around 3:30 p.m. Friday, authorities arrested Darrell Elder Jr., 20.

He’s being charged with Criminal Confinement and Battery.

Police said a tip came in on Elder’s whereabouts, and Police were able to locate him at a state office near downtown Terre Haute.

The Vigo County Sheriff's Department is still investigating what led to the dispute.

"We had no idea what occurred. We're not going to take any chances at all. It was a very, very serious matter, very serious case, and we handled it as such. So, until we know otherwise, we're going to assume the worst," Vigo County Sheriff Chief Deputy Clark Cottom said.

Police said Elder and victim were in a relationship and do not believe Elder has a criminal history.

He remains in the Vigo County jail on $10,000 bond.
 

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Indiana State University Police confirm to Vigo County Central Dispatch that the suspect and victim of a reported abduction near ISU have both been found and are safe.

At around 10:00 yesterday morning, Indiana State University Police told News 10 they had a report about a man who was observed forcing a female into a mini-van at the Juvenile Justice Center Parking Lot. That's  located just north of University Apartments.

According to scanner traffic, the female was seen on the ISU campus surveillance video kicking in the side door of the mini-van.

Early Friday morning, police tell News 10 that a man saw surveillance video on local television news broadcasts and recognized the suspect as his son.

The man and woman were both reportedly found on South 8th Street in Terre Haute.

Police say the case was a domestic dispute.