Kidnapping victim saved in Tennessee, suspect arrested

A kidnapping suspect is in custody and his victim has been rescued, according to law enforcement.

The FBI has been asked to review the case by Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley.

At 12:29 a.m. Monday, the Poplar Bluff Police Department received a report an adult female had been taken by force from her residence on Raulston Street, officials said. The suspect was identified as Chris Luecke, 36, of Poplar Bluff, reportedly an ex-boyfriend of the woman.

Information provided to officers suggested Luecke had taken the victim to East Ridge, Tennessee.

Officers in East Ridge rescued the victim and arrested Luecke, police said.

Luecke was jailed in Hamilton County, Tennessee, on a Hamilton County warrant for false imprisonment; and Butler County warrant for burglary first degree and kidnapping first degree (no bond).

Whiteley said the department has contacted the FBI to review the case for possible federal kidnapping charges.

Whiteley thanked officers and investigators with the East Ridge Tennessee Police Department and Poplar Bluff’s own department who worked from Sunday night into Monday to locate and rescue the victim.

“Criminals do not recognize state boundaries, and police often rely on help from other departments,” he said. “But members of the East Ridge Tennessee Police Department distinguished themselves. They made this case a priority and went out of their way to focus resources to support the victim and further this investigation. I have no doubt that their efforts prevented further harm to this young girl.”

Editor's note: This story has been updated since it was first posted.