A 15-year-old teen held captive for a month was found safe after she apparently escaped her three kidnappers, officials in Minnesota said.
Jasmine Block was located by the Alexandria Police Department on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 5, and she was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries, NBC News reported.
15-year-old Jasmine Block was held captive. She was hospitalized after she was rescued.
Three suspects were arrested in her disappearance. They were later identified as Thomas Barker, 32; Joshua Holby, 31; and Steven Powers, 20, according to the WCCO-TV.
“Barker tied her up with zip ties and then he, his roommate, and friend over the next several weeks assaulted her and threatened her with weapons,” Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels told the station.
According to this police update, she was left alone for the first time when she then escaped on Tuesday.
Officials said she then swam across Thompson Lake. There, she ran to a farm, and a man called 911.
On the way to the police station, Block was able to identify the vehicle of her kidnapper. Police gave chase and arrested one of the suspects.
“This is an unbelievable young woman,” Wyffels added. “She has a lot of strength. We think a lot of her and her family. They’re all amazing people.”
Officials said Jasmine was acquainted with at least one of the alleged kidnappers. Barker apparently convinced the girl to get into a vehicle on Aug. 8, and then brought her to a home in Carlos, Minnesota, where she was reportedly sexually assaulted.
“I just want to say thank you for helping for never giving up!” Sarah Block, her mother, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “I also ask to respect Jasmine myself and her sisters as we have been apart 4 weeks and it’s been a lot so give space.” She added: “I will not share any details as this is an ongoing investigation and I tell everyone to respect that.”
The teen has since been reunited with her family.
An investigation into her case is ongoing.
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