Kidnapping victim in critical condition; Police search for two gunmen

TAMARAC, Fla. (WSVN) -- A woman who was kidnapped in Coral Springs and later found in Tamarac suffering from gunshot wounds is fighting for her life, as police continue to search for the gunman.

Twenty-two-year-old Nicola Brown is in a medically-induced coma at Broward General Medical Center, after being kidnapped and shot multiple times Sunday afternoon.

According to a teen witness, Brown was taking care of an elderly woman in the area of the 11400 Block of Lakeview Drive in Coral Springs when two men forced her into a vehicle. "Witnesses observed a female in her early 20s being dragged into a vehicle. Upon arrival by police, obviously, the victim and the suspect's vehicle were gone," said Coral Springs Police Sergeant Joe McHugh.  

Homeowner Kathleen, who wants to keep her identity hidden for safety reasons, said Brown took good care of her mother. "She is kind, she is quiet. Everything mama needs, she's so good to my mom," Kathleen said.

Kathleen's son witnessed everything from his bedroom window. "He looked out the window, and he heard like a scream, and her car was on and her lights were on. Grabbed her out of the car, pulled her away a little bit and another car came and put them both in the car, and she got shot," said Kathleen.

About 20 minutes later, the Broward Sheriff's Office got a call about a woman found shot and left for dead in the 10100 Block of Northwest 67th Street. "About 15 to 20 minutes later, we received information from Tamarac here and BSO, that they located our victim with multiple gunshot wounds," said Sergeant Joe McHugh.  

Police believe Brown crawled her way across the street to a nearby canal where a fisherman spotted her and called 911. "I guess she ran and was able to get around the building, and someone was fishing there that helped her out," said Verna Palacio, who works at a nearby warehouse.

Brown's brother has faith she will pull through. "She tried to creep for help, so that's what happened. It's sad, you know, and she's not a troubled kid. I hope she gets well and first of all, I hope they find who did this. I know they will," said Marlon Francis.

Police are continuing their search for two suspects.

If you have any information on this kidnapping and shooting, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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