Man Kidnaps Woman, Forces Her To Withdraw Money In Southbury, Engages Cops In Pursuit: State Police

SOUTHBURY, CT — A scary situation unfolded Monday morning in Southbury. State Police say a man tried to force a woman he kidnapped to withdraw money from a local bank, and when police arrived a pursuit unfolded until the suspect crashed his car and was taken into custody.

The incident began at 10:43 a.m. as Southbury Police responded to Chase Bank at 775 Main St. South for a report of a female being forced by a male to withdraw money from her bank account, state police said.

As officers arrived, Claude Williams, 25, of Colonial Avenue in Waterbury, fled and led police on pursuit, state police said. He crashed his vehicle at the bottom of the Interstate 84 Exit 15 eastbound off-ramp and was taken into custody, state police said.

State police spokeswoman Kelly Grant said Williams and the victim knew one another. She said bank employees alerted police about the incident. Upon being taken into custody narcotics were found on Williams, Grant said. No injuries to the victim or Williams was reported, Grant added.

The pursuit lasted approximately nine minutes. Williams drove around local roads in Southbury, and I-84.

Williams is charged with kidnapping, larceny, robbery, engaging police in pursuit and unlawful restraint. He was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

Image via State Police