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American Morning

Police in Philadelphia Searching for 7-Year-Old Girl

Aired July 23, 2002 - 11:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Police in Philadelphia are searching for a 7-year-old girl after witnesses say she was snatched from a street corner.

More on that story from reporter Esther Miller. She is with our CNN affiliate KYW.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ESTHER MILLER, KYW REPORTER (voice-over): Sarina Gillis is pleading for her daughter's safe return.

SARINA GILLIS, ERICA PRATT'S MOTHER: I want to tell you, Erica, we love you a lot, and your mother loves your dearly. And I hope if you watching me, I love you, and I hope to see you tomorrow, or as soon as possible.

MILLER: It was around 9:30 last night when neighbors said they saw 7-year-old Erica Pratt walking in front of grandmother's house in the 6,000 block of King Street (ph) with a 5-year-old friend, then suddenly, a man approach her.

INSP. WILLIAM COLARULLO, PHILADELPHIA POLICE: The 5-year-old witness stated that a heavyset male, wearing a white T-shirt, had a very large stomach, very heavy set, and a baseball cap, got out and grabbed the 7-year-old, and carried her into the car. And the driver was shouting, "Come on let's go."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And that was Esther Miller of our affiliate KYW. The girl's grandmother says she has received a ransom demand of $150,000.

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