Cleveland EMT Lachelle Jordan ‘ran for her life’ to escape kidnappers, family says

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The family of Lachelle Jordan, the Cleveland EMT who police found alive after going missing, said she ran to escape her captors in their first official update since she was found.

The family gathered outside of the Cleveland Police 5th District Headquarters to give positive news on the 30-year-old mother of two.

“Lachelle has had some trauma,” Joseph Jordan, Lachelle’s father, said. “She’s had some injuries, and she’s been hospitalized, and she’s getting medical treatment, and she’s going to be okay.

“I’m grateful she had the strength and the willingness to fight to survive,” he continued.

Lachelle told police she escaped kidnappers who tried to burn her alive, after making her way to a Euclid Avenue convenience store around 11 p.m. Thursday.

RELATED: Cleveland EMS found alive, says kidnappers ‘tried to burn her alive’

Lachelle was expected to testify in a rape case involving 65-year-old Michael Stennett this week. Stennett was arrested on Monday on charges of violating a protection order while committing a felony and menacing by stalking. Police have not said if Jordan’s disappearance had any connection to the rape case.

Cleveland EMS Union President Mark Barrett sent the following statement to 19 News following her return:

“We are happy she’s been found alive and safe. We ask that she be given time to heal. We remain ready to support her and her family any way we can.”

Jordan’s twin sister previously told 19 News shots were fired earlier that morning at a window in the home they occupy together.

Dave Jockers, the 1st Vice President of the C.A.R.E. ILA Local 175, the union representing Cleveland EMTs, said he has ‘no doubt’ that Jordan’s training as an EMT kicked in and helped save her life.

“Know your surroundings at all times, and if you see an opening you take it whether it’s to help a patient or to protect yourself. There’s no doubt in my mind she saw an opening and she took it.”

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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