Earlier this month, Sedalia police officers helped rescue a woman who had been kidnapped in Louisiana and taken to Missouri.
According to a Sedalia Police Department news release issued Wednesday, July 12, the Livingston Parish (Louisiana) Police Department contacted the SPD on July 6 about a kidnapping on July 5. Livingston Parish PD had pinged a cell phone located in the area of West Second Street and Winchester Drive in Sedalia.
SPD officers responded to the area and located a truck parked at Motel 6, 3402 W. Broadway Blvd., bearing Louisiana license plates. The truck was registered to a female who had been kidnapped. Officers made contact with a man and woman who had rented a room. The man was identified as William H. Howe, 55, of Walker, Louisiana, and the female was identified as the kidnapped victim.
The release states that after being separated, the female told SPD officers she had been at her home in Louisiana when Howe, who was known to her, entered her home and took her from her bed. She said they drove from Louisiana to Missouri, stopping only for gas. The woman felt she was unable to escape.
Howe was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold for second-degree kidnapping and given a $10,000 cash or surety bond, which he posted on July 7.
On July 10, Howe came to the Sedalia police station to retrieve property. A no-bond full extradition warrant had since been issued from Livingston Parish for kidnapping. When Sedalia officers attempted to execute the arrest warrant, Howe fled on foot but was captured near West Fourth Street and South Moniteau Avenue.
Howe was transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold for fugitive from justice and resisting arrest. He will be extradited to Louisiana.
Authorities ask if you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse to please speak out.
“There are many resources available to help get you out of your current situation and break the cycle of violence,” the release states. “Domestic abuse doesn't only include physical abuse but also emotional and sexual abuse. Although it may appear as though you can't escape, help is always available if you just seek it.”
Contact the Sedalia Police Department at 660-826-8100 or CASA at 660-827-5555. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
