SYMMES TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A Loveland man on Thursday kidnapped an 84-year-old woman at knifepoint, stole money from her and forced her to chauffeur him to a drug deal, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil said authorities believes Brent Engel, 31, cornered and threatened the victim when she returned to her car after shopping at the CVS on Loveland Madeira Road. Engel then forced her to drive to an ATM, withdraw money and drive him to purchase drugs, which he then used in the car. After five hours of ordering the victim to drive him around Hamilton County, Engel exited the vehicle and escaped near Montgomery Road in Symmes Township, Neil said.
The woman was not hurt in the incident.
Engel, whose records includes prior convictions for burglary, theft and drug use as well as an affiliation with a local gang, now faces charges of aggravated robbery and abduction. He had not been arrested by Friday night.
Neil said civilians with information about Engel's whereabouts should alert authorities immediately. Because of his gang affiliation, he “should be considered dangerous," and members of the public should not approach him.
