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Intense search continues for abducted Bucks woman

Authorities combed more than 10 miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike shoulder for about five hours on Thursday, from Bristol to Willow Grove, searching for a woman who police say was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend.

Police say Diane Corado (left), 57, was abducted at knifepoint by Kenneth L. Patterson (right), her ex-boyfriend.
Police say Diane Corado (left), 57, was abducted at knifepoint by Kenneth L. Patterson (right), her ex-boyfriend.Read more

Authorities combed more than 10 miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike shoulder for about five hours on Thursday, from Bristol to Willow Grove, searching for a woman who police say was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend.

It was the fifth day in the search for Diane Corado, 57, a Levittown Pa., woman allegedly abducted on Sunday - shoeless from her apartment, and at knifepoint, in her own vehicle - that turned up nothing.

Since the kidnapping, more than a 100 searchers along with trained dogs and marine units have scoured a lake across the street from her Levitttown, Pa., apartment and other places the couple often went, Falls Township Police said.

"There isn't a cop involved in this case that hasn't given 150 percent in trying to locate this woman before Christmas," said Joe Nicholas, a search-expert and retired state corrections K-9 officer that Falls Township police brought in to help. "When we go to bed tonight, and our knees hit the floor, let's say a prayer for that young lady and find closure for the family."

Authorities declined to say whether they believe Corado was alive or not.

Corado's ex-boyfriend, Kenny L. Patterson, 48, was arrested Sunday night at a Maple Shade motel, after her Pontiac Aztec was found abandoned Sunday in Camden. Inside the vehicle appeared to be bloodstains.

Patterson's clothing was also stained, authorities said.

The couple's relationship ended recently. Until a month ago, Patterson had listed Corado's home as his residence, officials said.

Patterson, an ex-convict, remains locked up in Burlington County Jail. He has refused to talk to authorities and is fighting extradition.

The Bucks County District Attorney will seek a governor's warrant to bring him back to Pennsylvania, said Michelle Henry, the first assistant district attorney.

Officers and K-9 dogs from several Bucks County municipalities, as well as troopers from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have combed nine locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The search, however, has centered on the Pennsylvania side, said a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.

Almost twelve hours after the abduction, Patterson rented a room Sunday afternoon at the Clover Leaf on Route 73 in Maple Shade.

The wife of a police officer found a set of keys and a piece of Corado's identification in her yard in Camden. She recognized Corado and alerted police.

Corado's Pontiac was found abandoned shortly before 7 p.m., Sunday in the 1600 block of Norris Street in Camden.

At some point during his stay at the motel, Patterson ordered pizza. It was the break investigators needed. They were able to trace the call from Petterson's cell phone.

Around 9 p.m., authorities swarmed the Clover Leaf and arrested Patterson.

Patterson has had a violent past.

Three years ago, he was charged with kidnapping, carjacking, aggravated assault and weapons charges in Trenton after he drove a girlfriend around against her will, hit with an antitheft device and threatened to kill her, authorities said.

Patterson was upset that she did not answer her cell phone, former Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Rubin said in a January 2008 bail hearing, according to the Times of Trenton.

Recently, Patterson served almost two years in prison on weapons charges and receiving stolen property.

On Thursday, Lt. Ward said the search was on hold. Officers needed the rest, he said. Many have been working only on a few hours of sleep.

"Right now, all the men are basically at their breaking point," he said.