BETHESDA, Md. — A woman jumped from a vehicle in broad daylight Friday to escape an alleged kidnapper who held her at gunpoint in Bethesda, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old man now facing multiple serious charges.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. on April 18, when Montgomery County police received reports of a kidnapping. Officers located a red Toyota RAV4 in the 7000 block of Democracy Boulevard with a woman in the passenger seat and began tracking the vehicle.
As the car neared Rockledge Drive and I-270, the woman suddenly jumped from the vehicle and told officers she had been kidnapped at gunpoint by a man she knew. She was able to alert police before the driver continued fleeing the scene.
The suspect, identified as Robert Deeter of Bethesda, continued driving until reaching the area of Old Georgetown Road and Beech Avenue, where he refused to exit the vehicle and barricaded himself inside.
Barricade ends with arrest
Negotiators from the department’s Emergency Response Team responded to the scene and made contact with Deeter. After speaking with officers, he eventually surrendered without further incident. A firearm was recovered from inside the vehicle.
Deeter has been charged with kidnapping, first-degree assault, stalking, harassment, and multiple handgun violations. He remains in custody without bond.
Key Points
- Woman jumped from moving car near I-270 to escape armed kidnapper
- Suspect Robert Deeter barricaded himself before surrendering to police
- Deeter faces kidnapping, assault, harassment, and handgun charges