An Aiken County man has been arrested after allegedly impersonating a police officer and kidnapping a woman.
Woman Allegedly Handcuffed and Taken
According to reports, Jonathan Willard approached a woman at Chukker Creek Apartments on May 29 and claimed he was a police officer.
Authorities say he placed the woman in handcuffs and put her in the back seat of his vehicle.
The victim told deputies she initially believed Willard was a law enforcement officer but became suspicious when he repeatedly asked her the same questions.
Victim Escapes
The woman said Willard told her he was taking her to a police station. Instead, he reportedly drove to an unmarked gated driveway and got out of the vehicle.
When she attempted to leave through the back doors, she found they would not open. Investigators say she managed to escape through the driver’s side door while Willard was searching for tools in the trunk.
She then ran toward Williston Road seeking help.
Witnesses Help Victim
An 18-wheeler driver spotted the woman running from a wooded area while still wearing handcuffs.
The witness told deputies he saw a man in a green Cadillac allegedly attempt to run the woman over before driving away.
Another witness helped remove the handcuffs before law enforcement arrived.
Investigators said the truck driver also provided video footage showing the victim in handcuffs.
Charges Filed
Willard has been charged with:
- Impersonating a law enforcement officer
- Kidnapping
He remains in the Aiken County Jail.
