Ohio Man Accused of Dragging Woman and Child From Car, Threatening to Kill Them — Then Pleads for Low Bond Because He’s “About to Be a Dad”

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — An Ohio man accused of dragging a woman and her child out of a car and threatening to kill them stunned the court this week when he asked for a low bond, saying he deserved leniency because he’s “about to be a dad.”

25-year-old James Blackwell faces two counts of kidnapping and two counts of aggravated menacing after what police called a violent and terrifying encounter on Monday evening in Youngstown.

Violent Confrontation Over “Money Owed”

According to police and court documents, the incident began around 5 p.m. Monday near Pasadena Avenue and South Avenue.

A woman told investigators she was driving with her child when Blackwell — whom she recognized — shouted at her from another car, demanding, “Where is my money?” She tried to drive away, but Blackwell allegedly chased her for several blocks, refusing to let her go.

When the woman finally stopped, police say Blackwell got out of his vehicle, threatened to kill her and her child, and then dragged her from her car.

He allegedly choked her until she passed out, slashed two of her tires, and forced both the woman and her child into his own car.

The victim later managed to escape and call 911, leading officers to locate and arrest Blackwell while he was still driving his vehicle.

History of Prior Charges

Court records reviewed by WKBN show that Blackwell was already out on bond for separate gun and drug charges stemming from an arrest in July 2025. In that case, he was released on a $15,000 bond.

Courtroom Plea for Leniency

At his arraignment this week in Youngstown Municipal Court, Blackwell requested a lower bond, telling the judge he deserved a chance to be released because he was “about to become a father.”

However, prosecutors argued that his violent record and new charges made him a danger to the community. The judge ultimately set his bond at $120,000, citing the severity of the allegations and his previous pending case.

Blackwell remains in custody at the Mahoning County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 1.

Do you think expecting a child should influence bond decisions in violent crime cases? Share your thoughts and follow ongoing updates on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.