In a remarkable turn of events in Aiken County, South Carolina, a truck-driving preacher named Anthony J. Moore helped prevent an alleged kidnapping. The incident, captured on Moore’s dashboard camera, unfolded last Friday when a woman, hands cuffed behind her back, ran into his path.
Divine Intervention
Moore, 53, who is also a pastor at Amazing Grace Ministries in Denmark, South Carolina, described his involvement as a ‘divine assignment from God.’ He was driving his route when the woman appeared, fleeing from a man in a Cadillac who had pulled over on the side of the road. The video shows the woman passing in front of Moore’s truck, while the man swerved in front before speeding away.
The woman, who had recently graduated, told authorities that the man, Jonathan Willard, 39, of New Ellenton, impersonated a law enforcement officer to abduct her. He allegedly took her phone and Social Security card, handcuffed her, and placed her in the back seat of his car. She managed to escape by climbing over the seat and exiting through the driver’s side door while the man was distracted.
Community Response
Moore recounted the woman’s plea for help as she approached his truck, saying, ‘Please help me. He’s trying to kidnap me.’ As the man pursued her, he claimed to be with law enforcement, showing what appeared to be a badge, before fleeing the scene. Bystanders quickly came to the woman’s aid, calling 911, removing her handcuffs, and providing her with water.
Authorities later arrested Willard on charges of kidnapping and impersonating a law enforcement officer. He remains in custody at the Aiken County Detention Center, awaiting legal proceedings.
Moore, a 27-year Army veteran, expressed relief upon learning of Willard’s arrest, thankful that the suspect was unable to harm anyone else. His wife, Betty, an associate pastor at their church, supported his actions, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and divine guidance in such situations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
