A Kentucky woman's visit to a Walmart became her lifeline after authorities say Joshua T. Hawthorne kidnapped her off the street and held her captive for three days, repeatedly attacking her in an attempt to force her to unlock her phone.
Background
According to an arrest citation obtained by ABC affiliate WHAS, on Aug. 23, the victim was walking in Louisville when Hawthorne, 32, pulled his car alongside her and forced her into the vehicle. He drove before pulling over and allegedly punched her in the face and strangled her. The woman was Hawthorne's ex-girlfriend, CBS affiliate WLKY reported.
Hawthorne then drove them to his home in St. Matthews, Kentucky, just east of Louisville. Once inside, he reportedly dragged the woman into a closet and left her restrained there for approximately an hour before removing her, cutting her hair and clothes, and dragging her by her ankles into another room, according to court records.
Authorities say Hawthorne ordered her to unlock her phone. When she refused, he allegedly struck the phone with a firearm and pointed the gun at her face. He locked the bedroom door and remained with her throughout the night.
The Investigation
Three days after the initial kidnapping, Hawthorne decided to go shopping and ordered the woman to accompany him, according to the arrest citation. He drove them to a Walmart market location in Louisville, went inside to shop, and left the victim alone in the vehicle.
She reportedly managed to escape and found help from passersby. The Louisville Metro Police Department was contacted and began investigating. When officers responded, they observed the victim had a black eye, bruises, and a cut on her ankle. She told investigators that Hawthorne had threatened to kill her.
Hawthorne was arrested on Wednesday following the investigation. Jail records reviewed by Law&Crime show he is charged with first-degree assault tied to domestic violence, kidnapping of an adult, first-degree strangulation tied to domestic violence, first-degree wanton endangerment, third-degree terroristic threatening, and violating an interpersonal protective order.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua T. Hawthorne, 32, allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend off a Louisville street on Aug. 23 and held her captive at his St. Matthews home for three days
- Authorities say he repeatedly attacked her after she refused to unlock her phone, striking the device with a firearm and pointing it at her face
- The victim escaped while Hawthorne was inside a Walmart market, left alone in his vehicle
- She had visible injuries including a black eye, bruises, and an ankle cut when police responded
- Hawthorne faces charges including first-degree assault, kidnapping, strangulation tied to domestic violence, wanton endangerment, terroristic threatening, and violation of a protective order
What's Next
Hawthorne was expected to be arraigned following his arrest. The case remains under investigation by the Louisville Metro Police Department. Those with additional information about the incident are encouraged to contact law enforcement.