Police say that a tip on the wherabouts of a missing Atlantic City mother who was kidnapped during a home invasion ended up being a false alarm.
Investigators say that they received a tip saying that the woman's body was found behind a shopping center in Egg Harbor Township.
Police searched the area Thursday afternoon and found nothing however.
"It just goes to show you that we're going to follow up on everything and be as efficient and thorough as we can," said Sergeant Monica McMenamin of the Atlantic City Police.
19-year-old Nadirah Ruffin was taken by four masked and armed people from her cousin's house on North Maryland Avenue last Saturday. During a Wednesday press conference, FBI officials annouced that $20,000 reward has been posted for any information leading to an arrest.
The masked suspects forced Nadirah at gunpoint out of the house and into an unknown vehicle, cops said. The people wore masks and hooded sweatshirts.
"My baby was in the wrong place, the wrong time," said Nadirah's father Diallo Longcrier. The young mother hasn't been seen since.
Nadirah was in the house with four other women at the time, according to authorities.
"There is an assumption that there might be some interstate travel, there might be some motives that may come to light," said FBI agent Darryl Bazemore.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Nadirah is the mother of a 4-year-old boy, officials say.
“Nobody’s going to do nothing. Just bring my baby home," Ruffin's mother Fonda told NBC Philadelphia. "Her son needs her, I need her, her brother and sister need her.”
Nadirah is described as a black female of medium complexion, standing 5-foot-4 and weighing 120 pounds. She has long brown braids, glasses and several tattoos, including one that reads “so sweet” on the left side of her neck.
She was last seen wearing a blue Polo sweater, a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information on the four suspects or Ruffin’s whereabouts should contact the Atlantic City Police at 609-347-5766 or the Crimestoppers tip line.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
