Reporting parties stated the male was choking and punching the female and at one point had a large knife out, and then forced the female in a vehicle and sped off.
Reporting parties gave a very detailed description of the male and vehicle as it sped off. One of the reporting parties concerned for the female’s safety followed the vehicle while still on the phone with 911.
The vehicle stopped at an intersection north east of Caplinger Mills to confront the reporting party at this point the female jumped into the driver seat and sped off, the male then took off into the woods.
The female was stopped in St. Clair County by the Sheriff and deputies. Sgt. Jeffries responded to St. Clair County to take a statement while Deputy T. Nance and Lt. Lowe looked for suspect.
Hours later while Deputy T. Nance and Sgt. Jeffries still looking for suspect, Sgt. Jeffries stopped a suspicious vehicle that was in the area looking for a male subject.
Deputies T. Nance and Jeffries returned to the area where the male went into the woods, the male walked out of the woods and onto the highway and was taken in to custody without incident.
Deputy T. Nance submitted a probable cause statement to the Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither.
Michael Gilbert 36, of El Dorado Springs was charged with Kidnapping and (2 counts) Assault 1st degree. Gilbert is being held in the Cedar County Jail on 150,000 cash/surety bond.
It should be remembered that a charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
On behalf of the victim and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office a huge thank you to the Cedar County Citizens who were vigilant and provided information throughout the incident.
Cedar County Sheriff James McCrary
