Truck-driving preacher stops kidnapping on SC highway
A truck driver's dashboard camera captured a handcuffed woman escaping an alleged kidnapper who impersonated police in South Carolina, leading to the arrest of Jonathan Willard.
Anthony J. Moore, 53, was driving through Aiken County on Friday when a woman with her hands cuffed behind her back suddenly ran into his truck’s path, according to New York Post. The incident unfolded roughly 20 miles from the Georgia border and was captured entirely on Moore’s dashboard camera.
The silent video footage shows the woman crossing in front of Moore’s truck before a man in a green Cadillac that had been parked roadside swerved in front of the vehicle and drove off. The woman then fled down the road as her alleged captor departed the scene.
Moore rejected any characterization of himself as a hero, instead describing the intervention as a divine assignment. He emphasized to the Associated Press that his presence with functioning dash camera equipment appeared providential, ensuring crucial evidence was captured that authorities needed to pursue the case.
Fake Police Officer Arrested
Law enforcement arrested Jonathan Willard, 39, of New Ellenton on charges of kidnapping and impersonation of a law enforcement officer. He remained in custody Thursday at the Aiken County Detention Center.
According to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department incident report, the victim had been walking when a man in a green Cadillac approached from behind and falsely claimed to be police. The suspect confiscated her phone and Social Security card before handcuffing her and forcing her into the vehicle’s back seat.
The woman told investigators that her captor pulled over near a gated property and exited the vehicle. She attempted to escape through the rear doors but found them locked. When the man began searching through the trunk, she climbed over the front seat and fled through the open driver’s side door.
Dramatic Roadside Confrontation
Moore was traveling south of Aiken when he encountered the fleeing woman. After lowering his window, he heard her desperate plea for help as she explained someone was trying to kidnap her.
The alleged kidnapper then pulled alongside Moore’s truck and displayed what appeared to be a law enforcement badge, falsely claiming the woman had jumped from his vehicle. The man subsequently drove away in the Cadillac.
Bystanders contacted emergency services, removed the handcuffs from the victim, and provided water. The woman informed Moore she had graduated the day before, and that her captor had also stolen her diploma.
She requested Moore accompany her back to the escape location to search for her belongings, but nothing was recovered.
Army Veteran and Pastor
Moore serves as pastor at Amazing Grace Ministries in Denmark, South Carolina, and is a 27-year Army veteran, according to his wife Betty, who is an associate pastor at the church.
Moore expressed relief upon learning Willard was apprehended the following day, preventing any potential repeat attempts elsewhere.
The Aiken County Solicitor’s Office indicated no defense attorney had been assigned to Willard and no court dates had been scheduled. Jail officials declined media requests to speak with the suspect.
With information from New York Post
