St. Petersburg, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)- Police have found and arrested a woman who took another woman's baby in an effort to force her to change her testimony in a prior case.
Officers say 33 year-old Anita Johnson witnessed her neighbor, 35 year-old Lorraine Rainey, try to run over her husband, Robert Rainey, at 4720 1st Avenue North. Mr. Rainey was not injured, but Johnson was a key witness.
Police say Lorraine Rainey then forced her way into Johnson's home on 1st Avenue, North, and coerced her into driving to Police Headquarters to change her statement. While Johnson was inside the building, Rainey stayed in the car with Johnson's 2 1/2 month old daughter. When Johnson came out, Rainey and the baby were gone.
Rainey left with the baby, caught a ride with an unknown person, and returned to her neighborhood. When she saw police at the property, she began to walk and run around the neighborhood until police spotted her.
The baby was returned to the mom unharmed at St. Petersburg Police Headquarters (see photo below).
Lorraine Rainey will be charged with burglary, false imprisonment, tampering with a witness and kidnapping.
Detectives would like to speak with the driver who gave Rainey a ride from Headquarters. Anyone with information please call 893-7780 or text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.
Photo courtesy St. Pete P.D.