A Garner woman who had been reported missing has been found, according to Garner police.

Shelia Towell Shaner, 54, left her apartment complex, Abberly Place Apartments in Garner, at about 7:40 a.m. Monday. She never made it to work. Her husband called 911.

About 16 hours later, around midnight, Shaner flagged down a driver in the Jordan Lake area in Chatham County.

She told authorities she was kidnapped and forced to drive to that area.

She was not hurt or robbed, police say. But she was badly shaken up.

Shaner told investigators that when she got in her car in the morning a man was lying in the back seat. He said he had a gun. And told her to drive.

At some point, they got out of the car.

The driver who stopped to help her told 911, "apparently he was making her drive and he had her pull off on some road and made her get out and start walking."

She then escaped and hid in the woods for hours, until she felt it was safe to go look for help.

She never got a good look at her kidnapper.

"He had on a camouflage hat and a camouflage jacket. So the only description we have is based on his voice. And she describes that as a young male," said Sgt. Chris Clayton with the Garner Police Department.

A helicopter pilot spotted her 2006 Pontiac Montana on Seaforth Road in Jordan Lake Tuesday. Police hope it will lead them to a suspect.

"We're hoping there is some physical evidence in that car that we can use in this case," Clayton said.

Shaner's family released the following statement:

"Our family would like to extend our gratitude for all of the thoughts, prayers, and concerns that have been expressed by friends, family, and the public regarding Shelia Shaner's abduction yesterday, November 2, 2009. In addition, we extend many thanks to the Garner Police Department, especially Detective Pappas, and the Chatham County emergency personnel who successfully found her early this morning. We are extremely grateful for her safe return home. Given the ordeal that Mrs. Shaner has endured over last twenty-four hours, we request that you allow the family some privacy, and that you permit the police investigation to run its course, as it will surely answer any questions you may have. Mrs. Shaner granted one interview earlier today, and that is the only interview she or any other member of the family will provide to any media outlet until the police conclude their investigation. Thank you in advance for honoring our privacy and our wishes.

Thank you,
The Shaner, Hamman, Barton and Towell families"

Garner police are investigating and asking anyone with information about the case to call the police department.