ASHLAND — An Ashland man was arrested late Wednesday in connection to an alleged kidnapping that took place earlier in the day in the Union Street area, according to an emailed press release Thursday by Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell.
A felony complaint was filed Thursday morning in Ashland County Common Pleas Court charging Mark R. Simon, 43, last known address 104 E. Second Street, Ashland, with one count of kidnapping, a felony of the first degree.
According to Tunnell, the Ashland Police Department investigated a report early Wednesday morning from a woman who reported being grabbed inside her vehicle by a stranger after she had returned to her car from making a purchase at an Ashland convenience store.
As the woman pulled out of the store parking lot, she reported the man, who had hidden inside her vehicle, grabbed her around the neck from behind but she was able to get away from him. The victim was able to give a description of the man.
Based on leads developed by the police department, they were able to obtain a search warrant for Simon’s address where they located him and arrested him. Simon is currently in the Ashland County Jail.
He appeared in Ashland County Common Pleas Court via zoom for a bond hearing. Simon’s bond was set at $500,000 cash, surety or real estate bond. His next court appearance will be Friday at 3 p.m. via video hearing.
Tunnell praised the Ashland Police Department for its quick response and apprehension of Simon. “We have hardworking officers who suit up every day to protect the safety of Ashland citizens,” he said.
Tunnell said all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
