Skip to main content
search

Man Arrested in Kidnapping Investigation

Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested a man accused of pretending to be a ride-share driver and kidnapping a female victim who needed a ride home.

Andre Montel Bouknight (DOB: 4-1974) is charged with Kidnapping in connection with an incident that occurred on April 20, 2018. The 20-year-old victim tells CPD officers that she mistakenly believed that the suspect, who was driving in a black Dodge Charger at the time, was working for Uber.  Bouknight allegedly told the victim that he was an Uber driver and could take her to her residence.

After the victim willingly got inside of Bouknight’s vehicle, she repeatedly told him to take her to a specific location. Instead, the suspect allegedly drove her to various places in the City, and refused to let the victim out of the vehicle. Fearing for her safety, the victim used her cell phone to contact friends for help.

The friends called 9-1-1 and aided CPD officers in locating the vehicle at the 900 block of Assembly Street.   CPD officers charged Bouknight with Possession of Cocaine, Open Container, and Driving under Suspension after a traffic stop. The victim was found unharmed.

During the course of the investigation, CPD officers determined that Bouknight prevented the victim from getting out of the vehicle and filed the Kidnapping charges against the suspect last week.

Bouknight was housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) and has since been released on a $25,000 bond.

Safety Tips for Ride-Sharing Services:

  • Depending on the service, a licensed car/taxi service will properly display a vehicle/driver inspection in the front window after passing a required inspection.
  • Many services will also properly display a photo ID, along with a license and company credentials.
  • Wait inside an establishment for your ride to arrive
  • Uber in particular has an app that will notify you when your driver has arrived to pick you up
  • Verify your ride through the app
  • If riding alone, sit in the backseat. This allows for more mobility and access to exit a vehicle in the event of an emergency
  • While en route in an Uber, utilize the ‘share status’ within the app. This will share your driver’s name, photo, license plate and location with a loved one.
  • Use your best judgement when utilizing ride-sharing services
  • Always call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency

All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Close Menu