An Abingdon man is in the Knox County Jail on a $500,000 bond for several drug charges as well as criminal trespassing and battery in what appeared to be an attempted kidnapping.
According to Galesburg Police on Tuesday, June 9, officers responded to a complaint of the kidnapping in the 300-block of West North Street. The grandfather of the victim was following the suspect, who was located a short distance away and detained.
The grandfather told police that the suspect, identified as 36-year-old John S. Gerstel, had allegedly run upon the victim, pulled her off her bicycle, and threw her on the ground. The grandfather came out and yelled when the victim child screamed and Gerstel was said to have fled the scene.
Officers say that Gerstel was found by police to be confused and unsure of his location, appearing to be under the influence of drugs.
He was placed under arrest and searched, to which police found suspected methamphetamine and heroin located in his pocket.
He was transported to the jail and booked on possession charges for both the heroin and meth, as well as the trespassing and battery.
Online court records show Gerstel has an extensive criminal history with drugs with several cases pending in Knox County Circuit Court.
The Knox County State’s Attorney’s office is said to be reviewing the case and it is expected that additional charges will be filed.
