Man Allegedly Kidnaps Woman at Knifepoint During Routine Trash Disposal

In Pennsylvania, a woman experienced a terrifying ordeal when she was reportedly abducted at knifepoint while disposing of her trash and then coerced into driving her captor around for several hours.

Michael Charles Gordon is now facing multiple charges, including robbery, kidnapping, burglary, and theft, stemming from the incident that allegedly took place on June 5. This information comes from a statement released by the Springfield Township Police.

According to the police, the victim was engaged in taking out her trash and retrieving items from her vehicle around 10 p.m. when Gordon purportedly approached her with a knife.

Demanding money, Gordon allegedly forced the woman back into her apartment, where he seized her cash and ATM card, as reported by the authorities. He then compelled her to get into her car and drive to a Santander bank ATM.

Police further explained that the woman was held captive for approximately two hours during which Gordon allegedly directed her to drive to Philadelphia for the purpose of purchasing drugs.

Gordon allegedly asked the woman to drive him to a location where his car was parked, but after they got there he learned that it had been towed for a parking violation. 

As a result, he allegedly forced the woman to drive to the Willow Grove area of Abington Township, before authorities said he got out of the vehicle.

Though police said the woman was afraid to report the incident, she came forward on June 8 with the help of a victim advocate. 

Within 24 hours, police executed two search warrants and an arrest warrant. Gordon—who was already out on bail while awaiting sentencing for other robberies last year—was taken into custody and charged. 

It’s unclear whether the victim and Gordon had any connection to each other. Oxygen reached out to the Springfield Township Police for additional comment, but did not receive an immediate reply.

Gordon is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, police said. 

It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney. Oxygen reached out to the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, but did not receive an immediate reply.