DNA from Eliza Fletcher's sandals has led police to charge a suspect in connection with the jogger who went missing while running near the University of Memphis on Friday, police said.
Cleotha Abston, 38, “has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence,” the Memphis Police Department said in a statement on Sunday.
Eliza Fletcher, 34, who disappeared while on a 4:00a.m. run “has not been located at this time,” said the police.
A pair of Champion slide sandals recovered from the area Fletcher was kidnapped contained DNA matching that of Abston, according to an affidavit obtained by NBC News. Also found with the sandals was Fletcher's phone.
Video surveillance from the kidnapping scene showed "a black GMC Terrain passing and then waiting for the victim to run by," according to the document. A male then exited the car, ran aggressively towards Fletcher and forced her into the passenger's seat.
"During this abduction, there appeared to be a struggle," according to the document. "The Champion slides sandals were found in this area. The vehicle then sat in the parking lot with the victim inside for approximately four minutes before it drove off."
Cellular records obtained by investigators also allegedly determined that Abston's cellphone was near the site of the kidnapping at the time Fletcher was forced into the car.
Officers arrested Abston on Saturday after locating the GMC Terrain with a matching license plate number in a parking lot by Abston's residence, according to the affidavit. Abston attempted to flee but was ultimately taken into custody.
Cleotha Abston's brother Mario Abston, 36, was also arrested but he's not believed to be connected to Fletcher’s abduction at this time. He was charged with drug and firearms offenses, according to a tweet from police.
Police said Abston declined to tell investigators if he knew of Fletcher's location.
Investigators believe Fletcher "suffered serious injury" due to the violent nature of the abduction, and that based on witness statements, the injuries left evidence, like blood, in Abston's car.