Inset: Jeffrey A. Mauck (Washington County Detention Center). Background: The area in Indiana where Mauck allegedly attempted to kidnap a child (Google Maps).
A 53-year-old Indiana man is accused of attempting to abduct a young girl from her home, allegedly grabbing and threatening the child while holding her at gunpoint and trying to force her into his vehicle.
Jeffrey Allen Mauck was taken into custody last week and is charged with one count each of felony attempted kidnapping while armed with a deadly weapon, criminal confinement, aggravated battery, intimidation and pointing a firearm, court records show. He is also facing one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.
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According to a press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a residence on North Naugle Road in Salem at 4:30 p.m. Friday after receiving a report that a man with a gun was trying to abduct a juvenile girl. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s age, describing her only as a teen.
“According to the investigation, [Mauck] approached the juvenile while she was outside her residence and attempted to force her into his vehicle,” the release states. “The juvenile reported that Mauck grabbed her and threatened her with a firearm. She screamed for help and struggled to break free, drawing the attention of family members who came outside. Family members intervened and detained Mauck until law enforcement arrived.”
At the scene, deputies recovered a revolver, ammunition, handcuffs and two folding knives, according to the sheriff’s office. The release did not specify where each item was found or whether investigators believe all of them were connected to the alleged attempted abduction.
Deputies transported Mauck to Ascension St. Vincent Salem Hospital for medical treatment before he was booked into the Washington County Detention Center.
“This is an extremely disturbing incident, and we are thankful this young girl was able to get away and that her family acted quickly,” Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller said in a statement. “Anyone who attempts to harm or abduct a child in Washington County will be met with the full force of law enforcement. Protecting our children and keeping our families safe will always be among our highest priorities.”
The sheriff’s office said that the Salem Police Department assisted in the response. The case was forwarded to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office for review and consideration of formal charges, the sheriff’s department said.
A lifelong resident of the area spoke to Louisville, Kentucky-based CBS affiliate WLKY about the incident, saying she was “heartbroken” for the victim.
“I can’t imagine the trauma this young lady’s going through right now,” she told the station.
Mauck is scheduled to appear for his initial hearing Monday at 2 p.m.
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