83-year-old allegedly kidnapped by former caregiver, police say

MAY’S LICK, Ky. (WXIX/Gray News) - The search for a missing 83-year-old Kentucky woman led to the arrest of her former caretaker.

Gail Crane’s friends reported her missing on Feb. 17 when they couldn’t find her at her May’s Lick home, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Mason County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a coordinated search for Crane.

It was determined early in the investigation that Crane’s former caretaker, identified by the sheriff’s office as Rita Lang, was a person of interest in her disappearance.

“We had information that she was Ms. Crane’s caretaker and she had been let go a few days prior to this event,” Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky said.

Police in Frankfort found Lang’s vehicle and tried to pull her over. The sheriff’s office said Lang did not stop for police, and a chase ensued.

Eventually, Lang stopped, and police found Crane inside Lang’s vehicle.

Crane was taken to the hospital and has since been released, the sheriff’s office said.

Lang was arrested and charged with kidnapping, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said. Additional charges are expected.