FROSTBURG, MD – Law enforcement agencies have arrested Joseph Alan Gordon, 33, following two separate but connected incidents in which a woman and a child were targeted. The arrest came as a result of extensive cooperation between multiple police agencies and citizen involvement.
At 1:30 PM on Saturday, Frostburg City Police responded to reports of a woman yelling for help on East Main Street. Upon arrival, they encountered a 53-year-old woman who reported being forcibly grabbed by an unknown male in an apparent attempt to sexually assault her.
Two hours later, another emergency call was received regarding an 8-year-old girl missing from the Meshach Village area. Surveillance footage showed a man, matching the description of the earlier suspect, leading the child away. The Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I) was immediately contacted for assistance.
A suspect description was broadcast to all local law enforcement agencies. Numerous organizations, including Frostburg Police, Frostburg State University Police, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, and Maryland State Police, initiated a coordinated search.
Still photos of the suspect and child were disseminated on social media, leading to multiple tips from the public.
The suspect and the child were subsequently located near Frost Avenue by an FSU Police officer. Gordon, who possessed identification from multiple states, was arrested and charged with two counts of Kidnapping, one count of Attempted 1st Degree Rape, and one count of 1st Degree Rape. He is currently in custody at the Allegany County Detention Center.
The 8-year-old was transported to UPMC-Western Maryland for treatment and evaluation. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information, including private surveillance footage, to contact the C3I Unit at 301-777-0326.
