Arrest Made In Kidnapping Of Memphis Teacher Abducted While Jogging

MEMPHIS, TN — A man is facing charges in connection with the abduction of Eliza Fletcher, the 34-year-old woman who was abducted Friday while running in midtown Memphis.

Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence, according to police. A second person, 36-year-old Mario Abston, was also arrested during the investigation and faces multiple drug-related charges but is not believed to be connected to the abduction, according to police.

Police said they detained Cleotha Abston after he was found inside the vehicle of interest connected with the investigation.

Fletcher remains missing and authorities continue to ask for the public's help.

According to authorities, Fletcher was forced into a dark colored SUV around 4:30 a.m. Friday while she was out on a run in the 3800 block of Central Ave. Photos released from the last time she was seen show Fletcher wearing a pink jogging top and purple running shorts. She is described as being 5-feet-6, 137 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.

Fletcher is a teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School and a married mother of two children.

"In cooperation with authorities, we are asking for your help locating our beloved JK Teacher Liza Fletcher," the school said in a tweet.

Fletcher's family released a statement expressing that they want her home safely, FOX 13 Memphis reported. The family is also offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that could help officials in the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward with tips that can be submitted through any of the following three numbers:

901-528-2274, 901-545-2677, or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND