BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A night of terror. Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. is speaking out for the first time about the kidnapping of his mother, and he’s asking for the public’s help.

Meghan McCorkell has the latest on the investigation.

Cal Ripken Jr. says he believes his mother’s kidnapping was premeditated. Now a nationwide manhunt is on to find the man.

Police have plastered the face of Vi Ripken’s alleged abductor all over billboards across the region.

“It was the worst feeling you could imagine,” said Ripken.

Now Cal Ripken Jr. is breaking his silence–speaking for the first time about the moment he found out his mother was missing.

“The car with mom’s tags on it was reported and police said that a woman was tied up in the back seat of the car,” he said.

Just days ago, investigators released surveillance video of her suspected abductor. WJZ has learned those surveillance images were taken at the Wal-Mart in Glen Burnie.

For nearly 24 hours, police say the kidnapper drove Mrs. Ripken all over Maryland before leaving her unharmed inside her car just yards from her home.

“It’s quite possible it could have been a random act. It’s quite possible it could have been more than that,” Ripken said.

Cal Ripken says he spent that night in his car, searching for his mom–who he calls the rock of the family. While he’s relieved she’s home safe…

“I think I struggle with why. So I’d want to know why,” he said.

It’s a question police are also struggling to answer.

Aberdeen Police say they did recover some evidence inside Mrs. Ripken’s car. That evidence has been sent to the crime lab.

A reward is being offered for information that leads to a conviction in this case.