Ashanti disappearance taken over by homicide, anti-kidnapping units

The investigation into the disappearance of missing teen Ashanti Riley has been taken over by investigators from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Homicide Bureau, police said.

The case was originally being investigated by San Juan police.

Riley, 18, was last seen at around 4.15 pm on Sunday, when she left in a PH taxi, to go to San Juan junction, for her grandmother's birthday. Security camera footage showed her getting into a blue Nissan Almera car.

Newsday understands the 32-year-old driver was detained on Monday and has been in contact with his attorney.

Investigators said depending on the nature of the investigation, the man can be held longer than the usual 48 hours.

Anyone with information can call the San Juan police station at 624-3066 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS(8477).