From Trussville Tribune staff reports
PERRY, GA. –The couple believed to have kidnapped a man in Tuscaloosa and a woman in Vestavia Hills are now wanted for a kidnapping in Perry, Georgia, according to authorities there.
Blake Fitzgerald, 31-years-old of Joplin, Missouri and Brittany Harper, 31-years-old, also of Joplin, Missouri are suspected of a robbery and kidnapping at 11:04 p.m. on Monday. Their two-state crime spree began in the early hours on Sunday.
Police say the incident occurred at a Murphy Expres located at 1429 Sam Nunn Boulevard. The two were last seen headed south on Interstate 75. They are still believed to be in the 2010 Silver Ford Edge, tag ?#?2720AG7?, reported stolen in Vestavia Hills, Ala.
Following a possible home invasion and abduction of a Vestavia Hills woman just before 8 a.m. Sunday, the Vestavia police are seeking the public’s help in finding the two suspects and the vehicle they allegedly stole.
When police arrived at the home in the 2400 block of Monte Vista Drive, they spoke to husband who told them the man entered the home through a garage door and stated that he was having car trouble.
The man then pulled a gun and demanded the keys to the family car, police said. The suspect took the keys to the Ford and forced the wife into the vehicle where they were joined by the alleged female accomplice.
The suspects drove east on Highway 280 and dropped the victim off at the Grandview Hospital emergency room entrance unharmed. The victim flagged down a passing motorist who brought her home.
The case remains under investigation.
The suspects are described as a white male, bald and in his mid 30’s, now believed to be Fitzgerald, as well as a white female, 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with reddish brown hair, believed to be Harper, and wearing a beige jacket who police believe was his accomplice.
Brittany Harper is considered armed and dangerous.
Photo via Vestavia Hills police
Blake Fitzgeral is considered armed and dangerous.
Photo via Vestavia Hills police
Carol Robinson reports that the suspects may be linked to earlier crimes in Tuscaloosa and Hoover.
According to Robinson, a hotel clerk in Tuscaloosa was abducted and his car stolen, possible by the same suspects.
They drove the man to Jefferson County and had him under a blanket when the male suspect tried to rob a manager at a Hoover McDonald’s. The manager started screaming and the suspect left with nothing.
Fitzgerald and Harper are considered armed and dangerous.
