Woman allegedly abducted in downtown Athens found safe

A college-aged woman who police said was abducted on the streets of downtown Athens early Wednesday morning has been found safe.

The man who allegedly coerced the woman into his black Nissan Sentra has been taken into custody, Athens-Clarke County police Interim Chief Mike Hunsinger said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

The woman, who was not identified, was abducted on Broad Street at around 12:15 a.m., according to a joint statement from local police and the GBI. Several people on the street called police and one person got the car’s license number, Hunsinger said.

She was found by University of Georgia police, GBI Special Agent Mike Ayers said at the news conference. He would not say if she is a UGA student.

The man, who has not been identified, has an “extensive criminal history” including child pornography and violent sexual assault, Ayers said. He was out on probation or parole.

Police believe the man may be linked to other attempted abductions in the area. They asked anyone who may have come in contact with the car to reach out to authorities.

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Credit: Greene County schools