A Pennsylvania woman was allegedly abducted at knifepoint while taking out the trash, then forced to spend hours driving with her attacker, according to police.
Authorities say Michael Charles Gordon now faces multiple charges tied to the June 5 incident, including kidnapping, robbery, burglary and theft. The charges were announced by Springfield Township Police in a public statement.
Investigators said the woman, who has not been identified, was outside her residence around 10 p.m. moving trash cans and retrieving items from her car when Gordon allegedly approached her with a knife.
Police allege he demanded money before forcing the victim back into her apartment, where he took cash and her ATM card. Officers said he then made her get into her car and drive to a Santander Bank ATM.
According to police, the ordeal continued for roughly two hours. During that time, Gordon allegedly kept the woman captive and made her drive into Philadelphia so he could buy drugs.
At one point, investigators said, Gordon directed the woman to the location where he had left his own vehicle. But when they arrived, he discovered the car had already been towed because of a parking violation.
As a result, he allegedly forced the woman to drive to the Willow Grove area of Abington Township, before authorities said he got out of the vehicle.
Though police said the woman was afraid to report the incident, she came forward on June 8 with the help of a victim advocate.
Within 24 hours, police executed two search warrants and an arrest warrant. Gordon—who was already out on bail while awaiting sentencing for other robberies last year—was taken into custody and charged.
It’s unclear whether the victim and Gordon had any connection to each other. Oxygen reached out to the Springfield Township Police for additional comment, but did not receive an immediate reply.
Gordon is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, police said.
It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney. Oxygen reached out to the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, but did not receive an immediate reply.
