CHELYAN, W.Va. — Kanawha County authorities reported that a debit card belonging to an Illinois man suspected of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and her newborn baby was used at a Kanawha County convenience store and discount retailer Friday afternoon.
An Ambert Alert has been out all week for 39-year-old Christopher Derleth, who allegedly abducted Katherine Derleth and her weeks-old son Christopher from an Edwardsville, Il. home Sunday morning.
A card with Derleth’s name on it was allegedly used at the Chelyan GoMart and Dollar General, and all police agencies in Kanawha County were asked to be on the lookout.
Derleth allegedly drives a green 1997 Mercury Villager with Illinois plates, number E833210, which was seen on Interstate 77 earlier this week.
Upon issuing the Amber Alert, police warned that Derleth may be heading to West Virginia.
Police said Derleth is an avid camper and may be camping in the area. According to the alert, Katherine Derleth has a pacemaker and may need medical attention.
Anyone knowing of Derleth’s whereabouts was asked to immediately call 911 or contact state police.
