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Manhunt underway after woman, 23, allegedly kidnapped, found alive in river

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Montreal police (SPVM) are searching for a 26-year-old man suspected of abducting his ex-partner and trying to kill her.

A 23-year-old woman is in hospital after the vehicle she was in plunged into the Richelieu River early Friday morning. A suspect was seen swimming out of the submerged car.

Police are now looking for Abdennour Maalala.

Montreal police took over the file after witness testimonies led officers to believe the incident was linked to a suspected abduction in the Town of Mount Royal. 

The SPVM received calls Friday morning about a woman in her 20s being abducted from a home on Athlone Road and confirmed the two incidents were related.

Montreal police (SPVM) are searching for Abdennour Maalala, 26, in connection with an attempted homicide. (SPVM)

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu police received several 911 calls at 6:25 a.m. about the incident and called firefighters for backup.

"Police could not get to the vehicle," explained Barbara-Anne Dion, a spokesperson with Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu police. "Firefighters had to use a boat to reach the woman."

She was transported to the hospital to be treated for shock and hypothermia.

Maalala has black hair, brown eyes and is about 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing black pants, a black coat and red sneakers. He speaks both French and English. 

Police are asking anyone with information to call 911 or use the anonymous tip line at 514 393-1133 or online. A reward of up to $3,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest.

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