Tuscumbia man behind bars for alleged kidnapping

Friday afternoon, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department arrested Leonard Wilson, 33, of Tuscumbia, on suspicion of kidnapping, attempted rape and sexual abuse.

Sheriff Ronald Long said a man contacted authorities saying his girlfriend was sending him text messages stating she had been kidnapped and to call police.

The victim was able to send short text messages describing Wilson’s vehicle and where they were.

About 15 minutes later, deputies were able to find Wilson and the victim on Revere Road near the Roubidoux River.

Long said a woman jumped out of the vehicle and told deputies Wilson had a gun in his car. She also told them Wilson kidnapped her, assaulted her and tried to rape her. He was taken into custody without incident.

Deputies found multiple guns inside Wilson’s car.

The Waynesville Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted with the search for Wilson and the female victim.

Wilson is being held in the Pulaski County Jail on a $500,000 bond.