A Columbus man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, abduction, attempted rape, and carrying a loaded weapon after a woman managed to escape an alleged rape attempt on Tuesday afternoon near a Gahanna park. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Johnathan Steele, was apprehended while riding a bicycle after the incident.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, informed Gahanna police that Steele, shirtless and donning a ski mask, had accosted her with a handgun, threatening her life if she did not comply. According to court records cited by WBNS, the attempt occurred near Gahanna's swimming pool and park area along a walking path. Steele, by his admission during the arrest, had planned to assault the victim sexually, as stated in records obtained by 10TV. Police state that the firearm possession violated a prior domestic violence equivalent conviction in Virginia.
Details from NBC4i reveal that the confrontation began when Steele emerged from a wooded area beside the path. Upon her refusal of his demands, he gave chase and forcibly dragged her towards a treeline. In the ensuing struggle, the victim broke free and alerted the authorities.
The quick response of Gahanna Police led to Steele's capture near the scene. During his arrest, Steele reportedly had a loaded CCY CPX-2 pistol in a holster on his hip and was found to have a ski mask. "It was me with the girl," Steele told the arresting officer, a remark mentioned in the report by ABC6. This confession, alongside Steele's spontaneous statements, is serving as crucial evidence in the case, shedding light on the harrowing experience endured by the victim and leading to Steele's charges.
