Man accused of kidnapping daughter makes ominous threat to mother, PA cops say

Authorities are searching for a man accused of kidnapping his daughter from a Pennsylvania home and making an ominous threat to the girl’s mother, according to police.

Jafar Almaarej, a 39-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, resident, is facing charges of kidnapping, interference with custody of children and terroristic threats, the Millcreek Police Department said in an Aug. 3 news release. As of Aug. 6, neither Almaarej nor his daughter has been located.

Police say Almaarej went to Erie, Pennsylvania, to visit his daughter for the weekend at his ex-wife’s home, but when she left for work on Sunday, she soon received a text from him saying he was leaving with their daughter, WJBK reported.

Almaarej also sent a text to his ex-wife saying that if she went to the police about him taking their daughter, investigators would have to “search for their bones,” WJET reported, citing a criminal complaint.

The mother has full custody of the girl, and Almaarej isn’t allowed to have contact due to a protection order for abuse issued against him in Erie, police told WJBK.

Almaarej was last seen driving a black 4-door Jeep Wrangler, with a Michigan license plate numbered 050G994, police said. Anyone who sees Almaarej or his vehicle is asked to call 911 immediately.

This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Man accused of kidnapping daughter makes ominous threat to mother, PA cops say."