A local man was arrested Friday, Jan. 12 for an alleged kidnapping that is
reported to have started in downtown Los Angeles and finished with a pre-dawn
door knock at a Pine Mountain residence by the alleged victim who pleaded to use
a phone.

The 18-year-old Los Angeles resident called 911. Kern County Sheriff?s
deputies responded at about 3:53 a.m.

According to a press release from the Frazier Park sheriff?s substation, the
woman alleged that Richard William McDowell, 43, of Pine Mountain had assaulted
her.

McDowell was located sleeping at his home where he was arrested on suspicion
of kidnapping, unlawful oral copulation, rape, brandishing a weapon, criminal
threats, and brandishing an imitation firearm. He was transported and booked
into the KCSD central receiving facility in Bakersfield.

According to an interview with Sgt. Dave Barker, the victim was allegedly
transported from a meeting point in downtown L.A. at knife point against her
will.

McDowell has been released ?because at this time there is insufficient
evidence to go forward with prosecution; we are working with the Los Angeles
Police Department in this matter to develop additional information,? Barker
said.

?Reported by Patric Hedlund

This is part of the January 26, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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