A Vermont kidnapping victim escaped her alleged captors after driving away in the suspects’ truck with her hands still tied, according to authorities.
Vermont State Police (VSP) reported the arrest of Mack Varnum and Nichole Cloutier on charges of attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping and first-degree unlawful restraint in connection with the incident that occurred on February 23. In addition, Varnum faces one count of first degree domestic battery.
Authorities initially responded to Bay Street in St. Johnsbury after receiving reports of a woman in her vehicle with her hands and part of her head bound with duct tape, Fox News reported.
First responders freed and treated the woman, who told investigators that the suspects picked her up on the side of the road near Varnum’s Peacham residence in their pickup truck, at which point the victim was forcibly restrained and restrained, according to VPS in a press release.
According to VSP, the suspects drove with the victim immobilized in his vehicle for several hours while his life was under threat.
“At one point, the victim was left alone in the truck, allowing her to break free enough to drive away in the truck and escape. The victim then drove to Bay Street in St. Johnsbury Village,” the news release noted.
Both Cloutier and Varnum were found on February 24 at their residence and taken into custody. They are currently being held at the Northeast Regional Correctional Center without bond.