A former caretaker in Kentucky has been arrested on kidnapping charges after police said she drove an elderly woman nearly 100 miles from her home without informing anyone.
Rita Lang, who previously cared for Gail Crane, was taken into custody Tuesday, February 17, following a short police pursuit.
Crane, 83, has Alzheimer’s disease. Friends contacted authorities Tuesday after realizing she was not at home.
They told officers that Crane has not driven in years and rarely leaves her house.
Police soon learned that Lang, 59, had served as Crane’s caretaker until the day before and identified her as a person of interest.
Officers contacted Lang by phone, and she denied that Crane was with her, according to investigators.
Authorities later tracked Lang’s vehicle to Frankfort, where she eventually stopped after a brief chase.
Officers found Crane inside the car with minor injuries, according to WLWT.
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Investigators said Lang had been dismissed from her caretaker role on Monday, February 16.
Police stated they do not yet know why Lang drove for about three hours with Crane in the vehicle or what her intentions may have been.
People who know Lang told WLWT the allegations are out of character.
Terri Srinivasan, who previously hired Lang to care for her mother-in-law, said the charges do not add up.
“I was shocked. I said, ‘That can’t be right. There’s just got to be something more to the story,’” Srinivasan said. “I can only speak from my experience: Rita was very responsible. Rita was a strong advocate for my mother-in-law. She was willing to learn whatever she wanted to learn to take care of her.”
Carmilla Schiltz, who said she has known Lang for more than 20 years, also defended her in an interview with the station.
“Rita has always, always, always thought of other people first. She’s funny, she’s friendly, she’s happy all the time,” Schiltz told WLWT.
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“She would never have put any patient of hers in jeopardy or in harm’s way,” Srinivasan insisted. “I can’t even imagine that that would have been a thought ever for her.”
Investigators said they will continue examining the allegations against Lang and are asking anyone with additional information about the reported abduction to call (606) 564-3309.
Crane has since returned home after a brief hospital visit and is recovering, according to police.
Lang faces a kidnapping charge, with additional charges under consideration, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said. In Frankfort, she is also charged with fleeing, wanton endangerment and traffic violations.
Information regarding a plea or legal representation for Lang was not available. She remains in custody.
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