Springfield, MO – A 30-year-old man was arrested after allegedly following a woman and her young son from a Target store and attempting to kidnap them. Joshua York is accused of second-degree kidnapping, stalking, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 1:30 p.m. when the victim and her 2-year-old son entered the store. York was in the store when he began to follow the woman.
After checking out, the victim drove home with her son. Once at her apartment, the victim noticed York squatting behind a nearby car as she took groceries inside the building.
York allegedly approached her, and when she yelled for him to stop, he grabbed her and attempted to pull her toward the parking lot. The woman fought back and screamed for help while holding her son.
A witness heard the screams and saw York fleeing the scene in an SUV. Another neighbor armed themselves and went to investigate after hearing the commotion.
Surveillance footage captured York’s vehicle, which was linked to his business. He was arrested on Thursday.
During questioning, York claimed he only spoke to the victim at Target and that she invited him to her apartment before asking him to leave. He became upset when she refused to give him money and left.
York has a history of harassment allegations involving a former girlfriend. He is currently being held without bond in Greene County Jail.