s a revenge kidnapping, Franklin County authorities have arrested three county residents as they sort out an alleged kidnapping that occurred on Thurs., July 15 at 5:15 p.m.
Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke reported that deputies made contact with an individual on Bert Johnson Lane, just outside of St. Clair, on Thursday who stated that he had been kidnapped and assaulted by two individuals.
The victim stated to authorities that he had gone to a residence on Bert Johnson Lane with a female friend to help clean and, while at the residence, he stated that two subjects entered the home, secured his hands and legs with zip ties, covered his mouth with duct tape and assaulted him. The victim stated that the subjects went outside to smoke a cigarette, at which time he was able to get free and flee to a neighbor to call deputies.
Deputies were able to determine the names of the individuals responsible for the alleged act and made contact with them on Thursday evening. The subjects stated that they did restrain the victim, but it was only intended to scare him. They stated that they were victims of a burglary and suspected the victim was involved. It was alleged that the victim was wearing jewelry belonging to one of the subjects’ relatives during the alleged kidnapping.
Other property belonging to one of the alleged kidnappers was recovered that evening. Deputies went to a residence in St. Clair, with St. Clair police, to attempt to recover other stolen items. As they approached the residence, a subject ran from the rear of the home. He was later located and arrested on a probation violation warrant. He was identified as Donnie Littlefield, 20.
Deputies recovered property originally stolen from a residence in St. Clair. Based on information provided by the alleged kidnappers, the victim reporting the kidnapping was taken into custody by St. Clair police for investigation of burglary.
The alleged kidnappers were also arrested for investigation of unlawful restraint and assault. They were identified as a white male, 30, Lonedell, and white male, 42, St. Clair. The Lonedell man was wanted on a warrant for traffic violations, nonsupport and misdemeanor passing bad checks.