City police have charged two people in connection with the kidnapping and robbery of an elderly man last week. Authorities said the pair is suspected of forcing the 81-year old victim to withdraw money from his bank account at knifepoint.
Amanda Maxwell, 29, and 31-year-old Charles Wayne Reagan were charged with aggravated kidnapping and theft over $1,000, while Maxwell faces additional charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. According to Lieutenant Detective Matt Holmes of the Smithville Police Department, Maxwell phoned the victim at his McMinnville home and invited him to visit her at her Fisher Avenue residence.
When the man entered the residence, Maxwell allegedly attacked him from behind and forced into the passenger seat of his 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. Police said that Maxwell then drove to two different banks in Smithville and forced the victim to withdraw cash from his account.
Holmes said $300 was believed to have been withdrawn.
Reagan allegedly joined Maxwell soon after the two local bank visits, and the pair then reportedly held the victim at knifepoint and drove him to McMinnville. Police said that just after the three arrived in McMinnville the victim escaped from the car when it stopped at a traffic light.
Maxwell, who was allegedly behind the wheel at the time, apparently left the vehicle and attempted to catch the victim.
Police believe that Reagan was in the back seat at the time, got behind the wheel and drove the car away, leaving his alleged victim and accomplice in McMinnville.
The elderly victim reportedly reached a phone and dialed 911. McMinnville officials then notified local police of the incident.
Police said they believe Reagan abandoned the vehicle and hid it somewhere between McMinnville and Smithville. At last report the car had not been located.
Both Maxwell and Reagan apparently got rides back to Smithville and booked a room at a local motel to avoid arrest. Police said the two stayed the night at the Motel, then returned to Maxwell's residence the next day.
Holmes said that is where they were found and brought in for questioning.
The victim reportedly suffered minor injuries while making his escape, but was not seriously harmed.
Maxwell’s bonds total $85,000, while Reagan’s total $55,000. Both will appear in court on Nov. 21.
The case was investigated by Holmes and Detective Brandon Donnell of the Smithville Police Department.