HS XC Runner Almost Abducted

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm ... 7708&rfi=6

Girl escapes abduction
JIM KINNEY, The Saratogian
11/01/2005

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A Connecticut man is accused of trying to drag a 17-year-old Saratoga Springs High School senior into a van in a school parking lot after cross country practice Monday.

Police Chief Edward Moore said the alleged kidnapper, John F. Regan, 49, of Waterbury, Conn., grabbed the girl from behind as she left practice and walked through the parking lot between the gym and the track around 5:30 p.m.

The girl was able to fight off her attacker and get into her own car. Coach Art Kranick got into his car, followed the van and called police, who captured Regan on Beekman Street, a few blocks from the high school, minutes later. Kranick had no comment Monday night, but the school's athletic director said there would be a statement today.

There is no personal connection between Regan and the high-schooler, Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said in a joint press conference with Chief Moore at 10:30 p.m.

'That is the worst kind of abduction,' Murphy said.

Police received a number of 911 calls from witnesses, including school staff. They declined to release a photo of Regan Monday night, preferring to show it first to witnesses.

'She was very brave,' Murphy said of the victim. 'We're glad she was able to fight him off.'

Moore said the victim, who was back with her family Monday night, was not hurt physically.

'Emotionally, she's very upset,' he said.

Regan is charged with attempted second-degree kidnapping and attempted second-degree unlawful imprisonment. Both are C felonies punishable by up to 15 years in state prison.

Murphy said Regan will be arraigned today in City Court. He is asking that Regan be held without bail. State and city police planned to comb the van Regan was using, a 2001 Ford Windstar registered in Massachusetts, for evidence Monday night. Police said they know who owns the car but would say nothing more at this point. State Police had been working with the city police since the incident occurred and were still at Saratoga Springs police headquarters during the press conference.

Neither Murphy nor Moore would say whether or how the national prominence of the Saratoga High School Cross Country team figures into the attempted kidnapping. They said they are still investigating why Regan was in this area.

Moore said they ran Regan's name and birth date through computer databases and didn't find a criminal record.

'We've sent the prints down now,' Moore said. 'We're waiting to hear.'

He described Regan as 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds. He listed his occupation as construction. The victim has a 'typical' teenage girl's build, Moore said.

[SKOT]

yay for buff girls fending off 200lb men!

[achtungpv]

Should've been carrying some bear repellant.

[Flying D]

thats why i dont do cross country.