Laconia Kidnapping

The Worm · 02-19-2008, 09:10 AM

By CAROL ROBIDOUX
The Union Leader
updated 11:40 p.m. ET, Sun., Feb. 17, 2008

LACONIA, N.H. - Two women were saved by using a cell phone to call 911 after they were forced into a car trunk and abducted by a gunman Saturday night. Laconia police have not identified the women, ages 20 and 21, who said they were forced at gunpoint into the trunk of their 2004 Volkswagen Passat after their kidnapper got into the backseat of their car at the Quick Trip on Gilford Avenue.

The man, described as white and in his early 20s and wearing a black hat, was still at large last night. Police Sgt. Al Lessard said investigators are following up on some leads, but are urging anyone with information to call the Greater Laconia Crime Line at 524-1717.

Last night, Laconia police Sgt. Dennis Ashley said at some point the man ordered them to stop the car and then forced the women into the trunk. One of the women had a cell phone with her and called 911 several times, hanging up each time the car stopped for fear the man was about to open the trunk.

Ashley said the last time the man stopped the car he left it parked less than two miles from where the women were abducted, behind Robbins Auto Parts Store near Mechanic Street in Laconia. One of the women said she heard the kidnapper's footsteps in the snow as he ran from the car.

Police arrived minutes later while the women were still on the line with 911 and freed them from the trunk. They were unharmed, Ashley said.

The kidnapper, who took money from the women, could be charged with armed robbery and two counts of kidnapping, police said.

Although the car was equipped with an emergency trunk release, the fact that the women didn't use it indicates they likely didn't know it was there, Ashley said.

"They're supposed to glow in the dark, but without being exposed to light it's hard to figure out what makes them glow," Ashley said. He said most newer cars have such release handles.

"I've told my own daughter what to do and what not to do, and if she should ever find herself in that kind of situation, to look for the latch and pull on it," Ashley said.

There were no witnesses to the abduction and police are basing the investigation solely on the information from the two women, Ashley said.

02-19-2008, 09:10 AM	#1
The Worm Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 41 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Laconia Kidnapping By CAROL ROBIDOUX The Union Leader updated 11:40 p.m. ET, Sun., Feb. 17, 2008 LACONIA, N.H. - Two women were saved by using a cell phone to call 911 after they were forced into a car trunk and abducted by a gunman Saturday night. Laconia police have not identified the women, ages 20 and 21, who said they were forced at gunpoint into the trunk of their 2004 Volkswagen Passat after their kidnapper got into the backseat of their car at the Quick Trip on Gilford Avenue. The man, described as white and in his early 20s and wearing a black hat, was still at large last night. Police Sgt. Al Lessard said investigators are following up on some leads, but are urging anyone with information to call the Greater Laconia Crime Line at 524-1717. Last night, Laconia police Sgt. Dennis Ashley said at some point the man ordered them to stop the car and then forced the women into the trunk. One of the women had a cell phone with her and called 911 several times, hanging up each time the car stopped for fear the man was about to open the trunk. Ashley said the last time the man stopped the car he left it parked less than two miles from where the women were abducted, behind Robbins Auto Parts Store near Mechanic Street in Laconia. One of the women said she heard the kidnapper's footsteps in the snow as he ran from the car. Police arrived minutes later while the women were still on the line with 911 and freed them from the trunk. They were unharmed, Ashley said. The kidnapper, who took money from the women, could be charged with armed robbery and two counts of kidnapping, police said. Although the car was equipped with an emergency trunk release, the fact that the women didn't use it indicates they likely didn't know it was there, Ashley said. "They're supposed to glow in the dark, but without being exposed to light it's hard to figure out what makes them glow," Ashley said. He said most newer cars have such release handles. "I've told my own daughter what to do and what not to do, and if she should ever find herself in that kind of situation, to look for the latch and pull on it," Ashley said. There were no witnesses to the abduction and police are basing the investigation solely on the information from the two women, Ashley said. __________________ Did you ever notice that when you put the words "the" and "IRS" together, it spells "THEIRS" The Worm...