Authorities in Pennsylvania have launched a manhunt for a 29-year-old man accused of abducting a woman at gunpoint, threatening to kill a child, and holding her overnight in the woods before she made a daring escape.
The suspect, Shawn Prince, is wanted on multiple charges including kidnapping, simple assault, making terroristic threats, and harassment, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators say the victim’s nightmare began after police responded to a domestic incident involving Prince earlier in the week. Hours after officers left her Jennings Avenue home in Scottdale, Prince allegedly returned and forced her to leave with him under threats of violence.
“The victim claimed Prince kidnapped her shortly after the officers who responded to the domestic incident left the home,” authorities said. She told police that Prince threatened to slit her friend’s child’s throat if she resisted.
Prince then drove the woman to a wooded, rural area she did not recognize. With a gun to her head, she was forced into the woods, where the pair stayed overnight before returning to the vehicle the following morning.
During the drive away from the remote area, Prince reportedly began falling asleep. According to the victim, “Prince started nodding off and made the victim drive the vehicle.”
Recognizing familiar surroundings near Ohiopyle, she steered toward the Scottdale Police station, where she bolted from the car, ran inside, and dialed 911. Prince fled, shouting threats as he left. “The victim managed to escape the vehicle and ran to the police department and called 911 as Prince drove away,” the DA’s office confirmed.
When officers had earlier conducted a welfare check at her home, they discovered the door open and the victim’s phone left behind, further deepening family fears. By the time police returned to the station, the woman had already arrived and relayed her account.
Prince remains at large. Authorities have not released details about his connection to the victim but have warned he should be considered dangerous.
Anyone with information about Prince’s whereabouts is urged to contact Scottdale Police at 724-887-8220.
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