In dumb criminal news, a Pennsylvania man is facing serious charges after what authorities call a terrifying ordeal ending with an unusual twist: His alleged victim was able to escape after he asked her to drive the getaway car. Did he really think she wouldn’t try to save herself once she was behind the wheel?
The kidnapping
Police reports indicate that Scottdale officers were first dispatched to Jennings Avenue in Scottdale on October 1 for a welfare check. Concerned family members told investigators they had not heard from Nelson since an earlier domestic incident with Prince and feared for her safety. When officers arrived, they found the door open and the victim’s phone inside, but no sign of her.
According to the criminal complaint, Prince drove Nelson to a remote wooded area. There, he allegedly held a gun to her head and forced her to remain in the woods overnight.
The botched escape plan
By the next morning, Prince began driving with Nelson again, but he soon grew drowsy. Authorities say that at this point, Prince asked Nelson to take the wheel. Nelson gradually recognized her surroundings near Ohiopyle, a small community in Fayette County, and devised a plan to escape.
She drove directly toward the Scottdale Police Department, where she knew officers would be able to help. When they arrived, she bolted from the vehicle and ran into the station. Prince, realizing what had happened, allegedly yelled that he would burn her house down before driving off.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Prince is facing felony kidnapping charges along with related offenses. As of now, Prince is considered armed and dangerous still wanted by the police. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Scottdale Police at 724-887-8220 or dial 911.
