Suspect nabbed in attempted kidnapping

Anthony Todd Rowell
Anthony Todd Rowell

HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. - Callaway County deputies have located and arrested a man suspected in a reported attempted abduction last week.

Anthony Todd Rowell, 47, of Holts Summit, was arrested at 8:18 a.m. Tuesday at a residence just outside of Holts Summit a day after learning he might be in the area. Deputies report Rowell was detained without incident and taken to the Callaway County Sheriff's Office in Fulton, and then turned over to Columbia police detectives.

The attempted abduction was reported to Columbia police at 11 p.m. Jan. 25 and they were dispatched to the 100 block of Greenwood Avenue. Officers determined a 27-year-old female victim was walking northbound on Greenwood Avenue when a vehicle driving southbound turned around and pulled up alongside her. The driver of the vehicle spoke to the victim before grabbing her hair and pulling her toward the driver's side window. The victim was able to break free and ran to safety, police said.

Columbia police later asked local sheriff and Holts Summit law enforcement officers to assist with the investigation.

Although this incident may be an isolated one, it's imperative residents be aware of these safety measures when walking or jogging:

Avoid walking alone, especially at night.

Stay in well-lit areas away from alleys, bushes and entryways.

Be aware of your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or be distracted by electronics.

If a driver stops to ask you a question, stand at least 2 1/2 arm lengths away from the vehicle, facing the opposite direction the car is traveling.