Update: Alameda County Sheriff now saying that the kidnapping was unfounded and are doing a welfare check on Veronica Kersten.
REPORTED KIDNAPPING UNFOUNDED
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) September 26, 2023
Detectives have determined that the woman in the photo is Veronica Kersten. Investigative leads indicate that earlier reports of a kidnapping are unfounded. We are attempting to make contact with Kersten for a welfare check.
The enigmatic case of a woman, referred to as "Donna," who was allegedly dragged into a light silver minivan in Unincorporated San Leandro has taken a turn. As revealed by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) via their Facebook update, a potential suspect with a vehicle matching the description has been detained. Although the whereabouts of "Donna" is still unknown, authorities can now shift their efforts to focus on tracking her down.
Around 11:15 a.m. today, the ACSO received an emergency call detailing the apparent kidnapping. The incident took place in the area of Ranspot Drive and Selby Drive, with witnesses stating that "Donna" was forcefully taken into what appeared quickly to be a Dodge minivan. In response, detectives and patrol units made haste to the scene and have been working actively on the case since.
The ACSO has called for public assistance in helping locate the woman and gather further evidence. Anyone who may recognize "Donna" from the image, witnessed the incident, or possess surveillance footage that could aid in solving the case is urged to contact the ACSO at 510-667-7721 or report it to their local law enforcement.
