Search continues for Schenectady woman seen forced into car

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

Zeniffa Sookram (left) and Rafiek Yussef.

SCHENECTADY — City police continued Thursday to ask for help in finding a woman last seen being forced into a car by her boyfriend in Schenectady.

Zeniffa Sookram, 28, of Schenectady, was forced into the car just after 1 p.m. near 864 Maplewood Ave. by her boyfriend, Rafiek Yussef, 38, police said. Police want to check on Sookram’s welfare.

Police described the vehicle as a blue 2004 Nissan Maxima with the Ohio license plate FVD1890. Its last known location was southbound on the Thruway in the New Paltz area, police said.

Yussef, who has ties to Queens, may also go by the name Leon Richardson.

Police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Dearing confirmed Thursday that police are still looking for the pair, but offered no new information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Schenectady police.

Anyone who comes into contact with either individual or the car is asked to contact the local police department.

The incident is being investigated by members of the Schenectady Police Department’s detective division.