Accused allegedly coerced the juvenile into his vehicle
ARTEMUS, Ky. (June 13, 2016) – Kentucky State Police in Harlan responded to a call that a child had been kidnapped in the Artemus community of Knox County Monday night. The call was received at 10:35 p.m.
According to the investigation, Donald Rice, age 50, of Artemus, allegedly coerced an eleven-year-old female into his vehicle from her residence. The victim is mentally handicapped and unable to communicate. Mr. Rice allegedly drove his vehicle into a secluded area nearby where he was located by the victim’s guardian. When the guardian approached Mr. Rice’s vehicle, he drove away at a high rate of speed. Mr. Rice drove back to the victim’s residence and got her out of the vehicle. Witnesses interviews indicated that Mr. Rice’s vehicle was seen sitting in the victim’s driveway prior to her being discovered missing.
Mr. Rice was arrested by Trooper Jay Sowders and lodged in the Knox County Detention Center. He was charged with Kidnapping of a Minor. He is under a $50,000 bond.
Investigation continues by Trooper Sowders. Tpr. Sowders was assisted by Troopers George Howard and Joshua Messer.
