An urgent multi-state search is underway after a 7-year-old girl was reportedly kidnapped from Erie, Pennsylvania, by her father, who had previously been barred from contacting her or her mother.
The child’s mother contacted the Millcreek Township Police Department on Sunday after she received a chilling message from her ex-husband, Jafar Almaarej, shortly after leaving her daughter in his care.
“She stated that her ex-husband, Jafar Almaarej, had come from Michigan to Erie for the weekend for a visit,” said Detective Adam Hardner of the Millcreek Township Police.
According to police, when the mother left for work on Sunday, she allowed Almaarej to spend time with their daughter. However, things quickly took a frightening turn when she received a text from him, stating he was taking the child.
“Stating that he was leaving with the child, and he would be in contact later,” Hardner said. Authorities say this is legally classified as a kidnapping, as Almaarej is prohibited from any contact with the child or the mother due to a court order.
“The mother of the child has sole custody, and there is currently a protection-from-abuse order from a judge in Erie barring contact with the mother and child,” Hardner added, who told Fox2detroit.
Since the child’s disappearance, the mother has had no communication with either her daughter or Almaarej. Investigators now believe the two may be in the Dearborn, Michigan, area, where Almaarej is known to have connections.
As a result, an arrest warrant has been issued for Almaarej, charging him with kidnapping, interference with the custody of children, and terroristic threats.
The “terroristic threats” charge stems from an alarming text Almaarej allegedly sent to his ex-wife. “Jafar sent her a text message stating that if she called law enforcement, they would have to search for their bones,” Hardner said.
Police in Pennsylvania have now enlisted the assistance of Dearborn authorities in locating Almaarej and safely recovering the child.
Due to her age and the nature of the case, officials have chosen not to release the child’s photo, classifying her as a victim. However, law enforcement urges the public to be on the lookout for Jafar Almaarej and his vehicle.
“If anyone knows Jafar or has seen him or knows his whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement or 911 so we can, at the very least, make sure that girl is safe and returned to her mother,” Hardner emphasized.