SALEM — A 53-year-old man was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly attempting to abduct a young girl at gunpoint outside her Washington County home, according to local authorities.
Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded around 4:30 p.m. to a residence on North Naugle Road in Salem following emergency reports of an attempted kidnapping.
Police identified the suspect as Jeffrey Mauck of Borden. According to investigators, Mauck approached the girl outside her home and tried to forcibly drag her into his vehicle. The victim told officers that Mauck grabbed her and threatened her with a firearm.
The girl fought back, screaming for help and struggling to break free from his grasp. Her screams alerted nearby family members, who rushed outside to intervene. The family managed to overpower and detain Mauck at the scene until law enforcement arrived.
Upon searching Mauck, responding officers found him in possession of a revolver, live ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, and two folding knives.
Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller praised the victim and her family for their quick action in a statement following the arrest.
“This is an extremely disturbing incident, and we are thankful this young girl was able to get away and that her family acted quickly,” Sheriff Miller said. “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.”
Mauck was taken into custody and faces multiple criminal charges, including attempted kidnapping, criminal confinement, aggravated battery, pointing a firearm, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
