SIDNEY — A Sidney man was arrested for first-degree felony count of rape and a second-degree felony count of kidnapping Thursday related to a case investigated by officers of the Sidney Police Department Wednesday evening.
Jeremy Lee Taylor, 43, of 10650 Schenk Road, was arrested for the charges during a traffic stop about 11:30 a.m. in the area of State Route 47 and Vandemark Road. He was lodged in the Shelby County Jail.
A search warrant was served at his residence about 3 p.m. Thursday by Sidney detectives along with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and a handgun and miscellaneous clothing items were seized.
Officers were dispatched about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 800 block of south Ohio Avenue in regard to a female subject needing assistance after being assaulted.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a 28-year-old female had been physically and sexually assaulted while walking in Roadside Park, 900 S. Main Ave. The victim reported a male subject grabbed her from behind and used a Taser type of device to subdue her.
He then reportedly forced her to a secluded area near the boat ramp and reportedly displayed a handgun to gain compliance to sexually assault her. The male suspect reportedly threw the victim into the river and left the area with her cell phone.
The victim was able to get out of the water and left the park to seek assistance. She was transported to Wilson Health, where she was treated and released.
This case was solved quickly because alert citizens got involved and reported immediately to the police, Sidney Police Department Captain J.A. Tangeman said.
Residents in the neighborhood assisted detectives in the recovery of the victim’s cell phone in the parking lot of Brown Park.
Residential cameras recording also captured a video of a vehicle and vehicle’s driver throwing the victim’s cell phone out of the vehicle’s window. Because of that video a license plate was obtained which led to the identity of the victim’s assailant.
During a search of Roadside Park, detectives also found clothing belonging to the victim and a Taser believed used by the suspect were collected.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the police department at (937) 498-2351 or Crime Stoppers at (937) 492-8477 (TIPS).