Pizzeria owner foils alleged kidnapping scheme

A suspected kidnapping scheme that started in New York City and ended in Ardsley was foiled by a quick-thinking pizzeria owner Thursday night. According to police, a 23-year-old man was forced at gunpoint

News 12 Staff

Aug 31, 2007, 10:32 PM

Updated 6,086 days ago

Share:

Pizzeria owner foils alleged kidnapping scheme
A suspected kidnapping scheme that started in New York City and ended in Ardsley was foiled by a quick-thinking pizzeria owner Thursday night.
According to police, a 23-year-old man was forced at gunpoint into a car in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan by men he knew. Police say the victim apparently owed the men money. Investigators say the suspects threatened the victim as they were driving.
Gerry Romano, the owner of Mina's Pizzeria, says something wasn?t right about the four men as they came into his store. Romano says one of the men acted nervous, stared at him from across the counter and desperately asked if he could use the phone. Romano says one of the suspects tried to brush off the pleas of the victim.
When the four men tried to leave, Romano followed them outside and told them to stay put until police arrived. The three alleged kidnappers then fled on foot. Ardsley police combed the streets with K-9 units. They say Jared Barton, of Pleasantville, surrendered. Police in neighboring Greenburgh picked up another suspect, Christopher Collard, of Armonk. Police say they also recovered a gun. Police are searching for the third individual.


More from News 12
1:00
Pro-Palestinian protesters at Vassar College set up encampment, demand divestment

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Vassar College set up encampment, demand divestment

2:14
Storm Watch: Showers and thunderstorms to impact evening commute, sunny and warmer to start May

Storm Watch: Showers and thunderstorms to impact evening commute, sunny and warmer to start May

1:28
4th annual Diverse Ability Job Fair draws hundreds seeking opportunities

4th annual Diverse Ability Job Fair draws hundreds seeking opportunities

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:43
Congressmen call for Metro-North discounts extension to Hudson Valley riders

Congressmen call for Metro-North discounts extension to Hudson Valley riders

0:19
Bronx man charged with criminally negligent homicide in death of Sullivan County man

Bronx man charged with criminally negligent homicide in death of Sullivan County man

0:34
2 Ulster County brothers convicted of murdering father of 2

2 Ulster County brothers convicted of murdering father of 2

0:19
Middletown man sentenced to 10 years in prison for child rape

Middletown man sentenced to 10 years in prison for child rape

0:45
Dobbs Ferry condemns racist incidents; urges public vigilance

Dobbs Ferry condemns racist incidents; urges public vigilance

0:52
Town of Forestburgh rejects AG James claims of unfair zoning restrictions

Town of Forestburgh rejects AG James claims of unfair zoning restrictions

0:48
North Castle police warn residents following weekend car thefts

North Castle police warn residents following weekend car thefts

1:44
Thiells voters to decide on new fire station

Thiells voters to decide on new fire station

0:29
Lawmakers demand transparency on Carmel lithium-ion battery storage facility

Lawmakers demand transparency on Carmel lithium-ion battery storage facility

0:22
Westchester County launches initiative to support Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

Westchester County launches initiative to support Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:05
Headlines: Gun found at LGA, WWII-era mortar uncovered, Amazon gas leak

Headlines: Gun found at LGA, WWII-era mortar uncovered, Amazon gas leak

0:23
E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

0:44
Mount St. Mary College donates properties to Habitat for Humanity

Mount St. Mary College donates properties to Habitat for Humanity

0:22
9th annual North Rockland Sports and Law Enforcement Day raises over $80,000 for charity

9th annual North Rockland Sports and Law Enforcement Day raises over $80,000 for charity

0:28
Back-to-back: Byram Hills HS senior claims victory in speech championship for 2nd year

Back-to-back: Byram Hills HS senior claims victory in speech championship for 2nd year

8:55
Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success

Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success