Elderly Kidnapping Victim Drops Attacker Off At Hotel, Calls Cops

POTOMAC, MD — A 39-year-old man has been charged with breaking into a home on Stable Way before kidnapping an elderly resident at knifepoint, according to the Montgomery County Police Department. Investigators determined that he used to live at the address.

The Oct. 14 incident occurred at around 4 p.m., authorities said, when Robert Dove knocked on the victim's door and claimed he needed to inspect the roof. Dove forced his way into the home after the unnamed victim — an 80-year-old woman — questioned him. Officials said he pulled out a knife and demanded money and jewelry.

Complying with his demands, the woman gave the intruder cash and a necklace. But he wanted more money and told the victim to drive to a local ATM.

At that point, according to officials, the victim started a conversation with Dove. He told the woman his name and said he was participating in a pre-release program. According to officials, Dove told the victim he left the prison program and that the police would be looking for him, as a result.

The victim then suggested that the two go for a drive, according to authorities. Dove agreed and proceeded to leave the stolen necklace on a table. Once in the car, Dove directed her to a farm in Poolesville, explaining that he was from the area and wanted to show her where he used to hunt.

After their trip to the farm, they arrived at a restaurant. The victim later explained to investigators that she wanted to go to a place where there were people. According to a press statement, Dove knew the customers at the restaurant and introduced the victim as his "friend."

Once they finished eating, Dove suggested that the pair return to the Potomac home. Fearful of Dove, the victim offered to put him up in a hotel for three nights. Dove agreed and the victim dropped him off at a hotel on Rockville Pike.

Police said Dove instructed the victim to drive home and call him once she arrived. Instead, she drove to a friend's house and explained what happened. The woman told her friend that she was scared that Dove would hurt her if she called the police.

While the pair was together, a warrant was issued for violating his pre-release agreement, officials said. On Oct. 15, the victim reported the incident to the police. Investigators found Dove at the hotel and took him into custody.

Detectives interviewed Dove, who confessed to invading the home and kidnapping the resident. He was then charged with home invasion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and first-degree assault, police said.

Image via Montgomery County Police Department

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