WICHITA, Kan. (AP) _ Authorities say a woman who disappeared
while at work four days ago is alive and safe, and is telling Sedgwick County investigators that she was abducted by a 300-pound man.

Sheriff's Capt. Michael Oliver said Joyce Patterson of Viola called 911 late Thursday and said her captor had just dropped her off at a Wichita home and drove off.

Oliver said "Mrs. Patterson appears to be in physically good condition'' and was taken to a hospital for an examination. She was expected to be interviewed by detectives after the exam.

Patterson told authorities she was held by an unknown six-foot-tall, 300-pound white male driving a small gray or blue two-door vehicle that is missing the passenger-side front seat.

She disappeared from the Viola convenience store where she worked Monday afternoon.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)