Rolla man sentenced to 10 years in prison for kidnapping, 21 years total

On Tuesday, Judge Ronald D. White sentenced Derek Bridges, 22, of Rolla, to 10 years in prison for kidnapping.

The 10 years were ordered consecutive to 11 years he was serving for domestic assault and drug possession for a total sentence of 21 years.

On March 22, 2016, Bridges approached the female victim at McDonalds, asking for a ride to Saint James. When she refused, he brandished a knife and told her that if he was given a ride to Saint James, he wouldn’t hurt her.

The victim then gave him a ride to rural Saint James. During the drive, Bridges told her he had previously beaten his “baby mama with a golf club” and held a blow torch to a guy’s face, making her more fearful.

After leaving Bridges, the victim went to the Rolla Police Department. Based upon information from the victim, Rolla authorities were able to identify Derek Bridges as the kidnapper.

Bridges was arrested and admitted he had brandished the knife to scare the victim into giving him a ride.