Missing Alaska Teen 'Too Afraid' to Follow Through With Protective Order, Dad Says

The tearful father of missing Alaska teenager Samantha Koenig abducted by an armed man said that she filed a protective order against a man in November but was too scared to follow it through.

"She filed for a restraining order against a person she barely knew and was too afraid to go through with it in court," James Koenig told ABCNews.com.

He said he could not elaborate on the situation or the man's identity, but he did not believe that his daughter felt that she was in danger or that someone wanted to hurt her before she disappeared.

When asked if he had any theories about what may have happened to her daughter, he said, "I do, but I cannot divulge."

In November, Samantha Koenig filed the protective order, but she did not show up for a hearing and the order was never issued.

Samantha Koenig, 18, was last seen Wednesday evening on surveillance video that showed her leaving the Common Grounds Espresso stand with an armed man, who police said was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and possibly a baseball cap.

All of the coffee stand's cash was also missing.

The reward for a Koenig more than tripled over the weekend to $41,000.

The Anchorage Police Department has received criticism for not releasing the surveillance tape, but police spokesman Lt. Dave Parker said they won't do it because, "There's no way this video is going to further the investigation."

Parker said the tape has "evidentiary qualities" that make it valuable to investigators but that it would not be useful to release it because the alleged kidnapper's face is not visible. He said the key to the video for investigators is Koenig's response to the perpetrator.

"You can clearly see that she is being taken against her will. You can see her reaction," Parker said. Police will not disclose what type of weapon the abductor had, but said the man is armed.

"We know they left the area on foot. Did he have a car parked somewhere? Did he go to a friend's house?" Parker said. "[Investigators] are absolutely beating the boards in the investigation and they are working very hard."

Parker said that numerous detective units are working hard on the case as tips come in, but they do not have any hard leads that they could share.

"She's still gone. We don't know where she went," Parker said. "At this time, they have not released the name or description of anyone who is a person of interest."

Koenig's father James Koenig has his own theories, but is similarly tight-lipped.

"I have suspicions, but that's all they are," Koenig said. He said he did not wish to name any people that may, in fact, be innocent.

Samantha Koenig had been working at the Common Grounds Espresso stand for about a month and her father said she was really enjoying it.

"She's a sweetheart. She's got the biggest heart and she has genuine love and care for people. She befriends people so easily," Koenig said through tears. "Everyone that meets her, they call her their best friend. That's just her personality. She's funny and she loves life."

Koenig is the fourth of six children. She has three sisters and two brothers who James Koenig said are working hard to search for Samantha.

"No one is holding up," he said. "They're doing all they can. They're handing out flyers and talking to whoever will listen."

Koenig is 5-foot-5 and weighs about 140 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes. Authorities are asking that anyone with information contact the Anchorage Police Department at 907-786-8900.

"I want her to come home and I want the people who did this to go away forever," Koenig said.

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77 comments

  • htown p  •  3 months ago
    Praying for a safe outcome.
  • .  •  3 months ago
    A man who uses a gun to abduct a women is a fraidy-cat of the first order. The guy still has her and dad needs to keep talking about his daughter in public.
  • Jenn  •  Carthage, Arkansas  •  3 months ago
    I am praying for her and her family. Some advice ladies, they say to NEVER, EVER, EVER go with someone. Even if he has a gun. Better that he shoots you on the spot than gets you off somewhere and does unspeakable things to you and your family never finds you. Fight, scream, run or drop to the ground but never go with them even if they have a gun or a knife. I understand men are stronger and can pick us up or drag us off but we have to teach our girls that no matter what, don't go off with them just because they have a weapon, fight for your life!
    • Delfreda Porter 3 months ago
      so true more than likely they will kill you anyway so Im going to take your advice
    • Lenda 3 months ago
      me,too ~
    • A Yahoo! User 3 months ago
      Awesome advice and great post
  • A Yahoo! User  •  Troy, Michigan  •  3 months ago
    Sadly, a protective order would not have saved this woman. Protective orders, only protect women from men that are not crazy. No protective order will keep a crazy man from kicking in your door and killing you, while the police take 15 minutes to show up. I hope she is still alive and will be found soon.
    • oliver 3 months ago
      Agreed. It is just a piece of paper, like expecting a drunk driver not to hit you because it's against the law. However, as she had filed it, I wonder if backing off of it was even worse. Wonder why this person she "barely knew" would have been after her anyway.
  • J T  •  3 months ago
    Protective orders are worthless anyway. The cops only act on them after the perp shows up against the order and hurts you.Protective order my #$%$
    • Danny 3 months ago
      Right. With all due respect for the law and all the good they do. They usually only show up to clean up the mess.
  • .  •  3 months ago
    He's not releasing it because she's still alive and they know who he is. The last thing they are going to do is #$%$ him. If he feels safe she will be safer.
  • none  •  3 months ago
    i've never been abducted but I can 100% guarantee I am not going without a fight. You're going to have to kill me right then and there. Women, kick, scream shout, yell fire if you are attacked. Never willing go, ever!!!
    • jimmy 3 months ago
      I've told my daughters / wife to scream loudly and then "faint". Was taught that in a class. What's the guy going to do - carry you?
    • Da Vern 3 months ago
      Yes fight and scream! If you can't get help where you are abducted from, he/she isn't going to take you to the zoo. I like the "fainting"!
    • sts 3 months ago
      same with a carjacking - always wear your seatbelt - if someone gets in the car and tries to make you drive somewhere, speed up and drive into a tree or building. if possible then get the crowbar out from under your seat and make sure he doesn't survive the accident.
  • Thomas G  •  Manila, Philippines  •  3 months ago
    To bad her lawyers Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson were not with her!
  • H.Busch  •  3 months ago
    A restraining order would not have overpowered his gun.
  • Windell  •  Atlanta, Georgia  •  3 months ago
    A protective order does not protect you,357 magnum will,learn how to use it safely.
    • krzeee 3 months ago
      Working alone at a coffee stand in Alaska, you better believe I'd have a gun for protection.
  • Peter  •  3 months ago
    I agree with Jenn - fight, scratch, kick and run like hell but never go with them
  • blue cow  •  3 months ago
    Sounds like protective order wouldnt have worked anyway, a .38 would have...
  • Thomas G  •  Manila, Philippines  •  3 months ago
    Hope she survives!
  • Charles  •  3 months ago
    The cops won't release the video footage, even tho it usually is in such cases, cause he doesn't think it will help reveal who the perp is? HELLO! Sometimes the public recognises the culprit by their walk, their build, etc. Or the clothes they have on sometimes triggers someones suspicion's. They need to run that cop out'a town.
  • MaryU  •  3 months ago
    THIS is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart goes out to everyone involved in this heartbreaking situation. I pray that she will be returned safe and sound and SOON.
  • khill05  •  3 months ago
    We are praying for you and sending good wishes, I hope she is safe and the monster killed period.
  • smitty  •  3 months ago
    I hope she's found safe and unharmed. Everyone should have some form of protection. There's some sick people out there who will hurt you and not think twice. I was robbed from behind at knife point years ago, it happened so fast I didn't fully realize what happened until it was over. Now I have a concealed carry permit and pay attention to my surroundings. Don't think something can't happen to you, because it can.
  • Yahoo!  •  3 months ago
    my protective order: handgun in each pocket, police can't protect you from others.
  • SNODIFYABLE  •  San Luis Obispo, California  •  3 months ago
    Parker's wrong to not release the video. Though the perp's face may not be visible, someone could recognize his clothes, hat, mannerisms, or other aspects of his appearance.
  • U Hairy Tick U  •  Delaware, Ohio  •  3 months ago
    Hope she comes home safe.