St. Clair Man Faces Kidnapping, Gun Charges

A St. Clair man was charged with kidnapping after firing a shotgun into an open field to intimidate his wife into getting in his car.

Jason L. Kerbel, 39, has been charged with second-degree kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon — exhibiting, resisting arrest, tamper or attempt to tamper with a victim, violation of order of protection and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner.

The probable cause statement alleges that on Sept. 27, Kerbel used death threats to intimidate his wife to walk to his truck, which was parked in a field a mile away. The truck was parked out of sight of passing vehicles.

Due to fear for her life, the victim walked to the vehicle. 

Kerbel allegedly brandished a shotgun and fired it off towards an open field, with the victim just feet away.

The victim told Kerbel she had an emergency appointment, so he drove her back and said if she called the cops, he would kill her and her family.

He also threatened to burn their residence to the ground.

The victim did not have an active ex party against Kerbel, but her mother did.

Kerbel has several criminal convictions.