Columbus Man Charged with Kidnapping and Attempted Rape Near Gahanna Park

A Columbus man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, abduction, attempted rape, and carrying a loaded weapon after a woman managed to escape an alleged rape attempt on Tuesday afternoon near a Gahanna park. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Johnathan Steele, was apprehended while riding a bicycle after the incident.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, informed Gahanna police that Steele, shirtless and donning a ski mask, had accosted her with a handgun, threatening her life if she did not comply. According to court records cited by

WBNS

, the attempt occurred near Gahanna’s swimming pool and park area along a walking path. Steele, by his admission during the arrest, had planned to assault the victim sexually, as stated in records obtained by 10TV. Police state that the firearm possession violated a prior domestic violence equivalent conviction in Virginia.

Details from

NBC4i

reveal that the confrontation began when Steele emerged from a wooded area beside the path. Upon her refusal of his demands, he gave chase and forcibly dragged her towards a treeline. In the ensuing struggle, the victim broke free and alerted the authorities.

The quick response of Gahanna Police led to Steele’s capture near the scene. During his arrest, Steele reportedly had a loaded CCY CPX-2 pistol in a holster on his hip and was found to have a ski mask. “It was me with the girl,” Steele told the arresting officer, a remark mentioned in the report by

ABC6

. This confession, alongside Steele’s spontaneous statements, is serving as crucial evidence in the case, shedding light on the harrowing experience endured by the victim and leading to Steele’s charges.

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