NewsCrime

Actions

PD: Bright headlights help Phoenix kidnapping victim escape

Andre Armone Gilder.jpg
Posted at 12:30 PM, May 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-21 23:43:06-04

PHOENIX — Bright headlights distracted a kidnapper long enough for a victim to escape from his car, police say.

Phoenix police report that on May 11, the victim, her friends, and 55-year-old Andre Gilder were at Phoenix bar when they decided to go to another restaurant.

Gilder offered the girl a ride, but instead of going to the restaurant, they ended up in an apartment complex parking lot near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road. Gilder reportedly told the woman that he needed to pull over and find his ID.

He allegedly told the victim that he was recently released from prison and he asked her to take off her clothes. When she refused, he pulled out a handgun, showed her that it was loaded and made his request again, according to police.

He also reportedly took her cell phones and cash.

At one point, police say, another car came into the parking lot shining its bright headlights into Gilder's car. The light distracted him and allowing the victim a chance to escape. She ran from the car, waving her arms.

Gilder drove away, but the victim was able to track him down with her stolen cell phone. Police located and arrested Gilder three days later.

At his home, police reportedly found the handgun and the victim's cell phone and identification.

Gilder is being held on a $100,000 cash bond for armed robbery, kidnapping and aggravated assault.