Charges filed against man who attempted to kidnap Kingsville victim at gunpoint

KINGSVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) - Charges have been filed against a man who allegedly attempted to kidnap a victim from a Kingsville home at gunpoint but crashed his car instead.

Johnson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Thursday, Feb. 20, indicate that Cory M. Franklin, 35, of Lone Jack, now faces multiple charges in connection to an alleged attempted kidnapping.

A probable cause statement filed by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that on Tuesday, first responders were called to a home in rural Kingsville with reports of an attempted kidnapping. Callers reported Franklin had been seen trying to force a victim to leave the area with him.

Law enforcement officials noted that Franklin got in his vehicle before he crashed into a nearby ditch and got stuck before they arrived. It was reported that he had been in possession of both a firearm and a knife at the time.

When they arrived, first responders said they found Franklin in the vehicle as he refused to exit and speak with them. During the incident, the car’s window was broken and both pepper spray and a taser were deployed to force Franklin’s compliance.

Witnesses reported that Franklin arrived at the home and attempted to force an individual to come outside at gunpoint. A fight broke out when Franklin allegedly attempted to stab the victim and threatened their life. After the fight, Franklin attempted to leave in his car but immediately crashed it.

As a result, Franklin has been charged with two counts of armed criminal action, assault, attempted kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, property damage and driving while revoked.

As of Thursday, Franklin remains behind Johnson County bars with no bond listed. An initial appearance is expected to be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. No further information has been released.

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