Pennsylvania Woman Escapes Armed Kidnapper After He ‘Nodded Off’ Behind the Wheel, Police Say
SCOTTDALE, Pennsylvania — Police are searching for a 29-year-old man accused of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint, forcing her to spend the night in the woods, and threatening to kill a child before she escaped when he started “nodding off” and made her drive, according to investigators.Kidnapping After Domestic Incident
The suspect, identified as Shawn Prince, is wanted on multiple charges, including kidnapping, simple assault, making terroristic threats, and harassment, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.
Investigators say the case began on Wednesday, when the victim’s family contacted Scottdale police requesting a welfare check at her Jennings Avenue home, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The family said they had not heard from her since Monday — the same day police had responded to a domestic incident involving Prince.
When officers arrived, they found the front door open and the woman’s cellphone inside, but no sign of her. Moments later, police were notified that she had arrived at the Scottdale Police Department, where she told investigators she had just escaped her kidnapper.
Held at Gunpoint and Taken Into Woods
The woman told police that shortly after officers left her home following Monday’s domestic call, Prince returned, forced her into a car at gunpoint, and threatened her life.
According to court records, Prince threatened to cut her friend’s child’s throat if she didn’t comply. He then drove her to a rural wooded area that she did not recognize and put a gun to her head before forcing her out of the vehicle and into the woods, where they spent the night.
The next morning, Prince drove them out of the area — but fatigue soon set in.
Escape During “Nodding Off” Drive
As they were driving, Prince began to fall asleep behind the wheel and ordered the woman to drive instead. Realizing she was close to familiar roads near Ohiopyle, she drove directly to the Scottdale Police Station.
“The victim said she started recognizing her surroundings and drove to the Scottdale Police station because she knew where it was located,” the Westmoreland County DA’s Office said in a statement. “She managed to escape the vehicle and ran to the police department, calling 911 as Prince drove away.”
As he fled, Prince allegedly shouted threats, saying he would “burn her house down.”
Police have not disclosed the exact nature of Prince’s relationship with the victim.
Manhunt Underway
Authorities are actively searching for Shawn Prince, who remains at large as of Friday. Investigators are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Scottdale Police Department at (724) 887-8220.
Officials warn that Prince should be considered armed and dangerous.
The case has shaken residents of Westmoreland County and renewed focus on the dangers of domestic violence and stalking-related kidnappings. For more updates on crime and community safety across the U.S., follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.