A Preston County man was arrested and is being held without bond after allegedly trying to kidnap a woman at knifepoint on July 20 in Arthurdale.
According to a criminal complaint, the victim was walking to her sister’s house on North Mountaineer Highway and was almost to the door when she was grabbed by a man who held a knife with a 5-inch blade to her throat and told her “if she said a word he would kill her.”
The victim’s sister, who was just steps away, witnessed the events unfold, saw the man pulling the victim into the driveway and ran toward them.
As she was being pulled farther from the house, the victim bit the man on the arm he used to hold the knife and was able to escape, the complaint said.
With the victim’s sister still walking toward him, the man said, “fine, I’m leaving” and walked away.
West Virginia State Police searched the area and contacted neighbors who said a man matching the description had been seen on the street and was believed to be staying near an abandoned house.
According to the complaint, neighbors were able to provide security photos that did not show his face but showed his clothing and gave a back profile.
Troopers then showed that photo to witnesses who identified him as James Albright, 47, of Masontown. They then obtained a photograph of Albright, who witnesses stated was the same man.
The victim and her sister also confirmed Albright was the same man who grabbed the victim.
Albright was taken into custody over the weekend and charged with kidnapping. He is currently in custody at Tygart Valley Regional Jail with no chance for bond.
If convicted, the penalty for kidnapping in West Virginia is life in prison. However, potential exceptions applied to sentencing could result in as little as ten years behind bars.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13 in Preston County Magistrate Court.
