Ex-Caretaker Abducts Elderly Woman 100 Miles

A former caretaker has been arrested in Kentucky on kidnapping charges after allegedly taking an elderly woman nearly 100 miles from her home without permission. Rita Lang, 59, was apprehended on Tuesday, February 17, following a brief police pursuit.

The victim, 83-year-old Gail Crane, has Alzheimer's disease and has not driven in years, rarely leaving her residence. Concerns were raised by friends on Tuesday when they discovered Crane was not at home.

Authorities identified Lang, who had been Crane's caretaker until the previous day, as a person of interest. Lang initially denied Crane was with her. Her vehicle was eventually tracked to Frankfort, where she stopped after being pursued by police.

Crane was found inside Lang's car with minor injuries and has since returned home after a hospital stay. Lang faces charges including kidnapping, fleeing, wanton endangerment, and traffic offenses.

Friends and former employers of Lang have expressed disbelief, describing her as responsible and caring. Investigators are continuing their inquiry into the motive behind the alleged abduction.