Alleged kidnapping foiled thanks to alert witnesses
By Terry Murry on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton police officers assisted by a Umatilla County Sheriff’s deputy rescued a woman early this morning (Thursday) and arrested Louie Shippentower, 38, of Hillsboro on charges of first-degree kidnapping, menacing, reckless endangering, reckless driving, second-degree disorderly conduct, and felony driving while suspended. Police Chief Chuck Byram says two people witnessed a disturbance and contacted 911.
“If not for their timely reporting, this incident could have had a different ending,” Byram said.
The witnesses said a man had a woman cornered at the Babe Ruth Park. Officers arrived and found the two, who had a past relationship. The investigation revealed that the man was supposed to be giving the woman a ride home, but instead he went a different route, threatened to kill her, and refused to let her out of the vehicle.
“Ultimately, the female was able to exit the moving vehicle when the male driver slowed down to turn the corner at Northgate and Northwest Carden Avenue,” Byram wrote in a news release.
Byram said that the case is being forwarded to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office, adding that no further information will be released to protect the integrity of the investigation.
