By Lisa Barton
Police arrested a transient man Sunday night following allegations that he kidnapped a 17-year-old male near BYU campus and burglarized a local Provo home.
Norman Gaddis Jr., 38, was charged with aggravated kidnapping and residential burglary after he supposedly broke into a Provo home and later entered the backseat of a 17-year-old male?s car to evade police.
Dan Wilson, of 2756 N. 140 East Provo, said he discovered the suspect in his home after returning from a walk May 1 at 9 p.m. Wilson found his back door ajar and upon entry saw Gaddis wandering around his house.
Wilson, who is in his 50s, gave the following account: Gaddis spoke to him, though he declined to comment on what was said. Gaddis then went through the kitchen, exited by the back door and headed down University Avenue. Wilson pursued Gaddis by car and called the police.
He said he was surprised, but did not feel threatened by Gaddis.
According to a Provo City press release, Gaddis then allegedly broke into the backseat of a passing car, driven by a 17-year-old young man, where he hid from police.
The undisclosed 17-year-old Provo resident said he saw the suspect appear from behind bushes at the Riverside country club before running to his car and climbing in, according to the press release.
The young man headed north on University Ave when he saw a police car with its lights flashing.
Gaddis allegedly gave the driver instructions to drive to locations including a gas station and a condominium on a journey that lasted for two hours. Gaddis occasionally exited the car, returning moments later, but the driver said he was too scared to leave.
?I know he was scared enough where if he had the opportunity, he was too scared to escape,? said Capt. Rick Healey of the Provo City Police Department.
According to release, Gaddis directed the young man to drop him off at a parking lot near a Smiths Food King in West Valley. After dropping him off, the young man drove away and called 911.
West Valley police apprehended Gaddis at 11:30 p.m. at an undisclosed location. He is being held at the Utah County Jail for further questioning.