Watch CBS News

Case Remains Active 1 Year After Vi Ripken's Armed Kidnapping

ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ) — One year later and still no arrests in the abduction of Vi Ripken, mother of legendary baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.

Rochelle Ritchie explains where the investigation stands right now.

It's still at a standstill. Aberdeen police are hoping by showing the pictures that were released last year again will finally lead to an arrest.

This is the man Aberdeen police say you should be on the lookout for in connection with the abduction of Vi Ripken.

"Mom is forever affected, there's no doubt about it," said Cal Ripken Jr.

It was a year ago today the mother of legendary baseball Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr., was taken from her home on a quiet street in Aberdeen.

Many neighbors left stunned.

"I couldn't believe it," a man said.

"I can't imagine what his purpose was," another neighbor said.

Investigators say the armed gunman abducted Ripken, threw her in the back of her own car, tied her up and then drove her around for nearly 24 hours before returning her home safely.

But not before stopping at a Wal-Mart, where he was  caught on surveillance video. He's said to be 5'10 in his mid 30s or 40s, with short brown hair and glasses.

A cash reward was offered for tips leading to an arrest, but so far, the leads have not been enough to track the man down.

"It's a little unsettling. He's still out there and I think mom is coping as best she can," Cal Ripken said.

With the suspect still on the loose, the Ripken family says it's hard to move forward.

"In many ways, to cope with it you want to forget about it. But you can't forget about it until there's some sort of closure," Cal said.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to call police.

The cash reward for any tips is still on the table.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.