Man Kidnapped, Tried To Kill Pittsburgh-Area Woman: Police

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Scott Township man is in custody after allegedly kidnapping a woman and trying to kill her by intentionally crashing his car into a telephone pole.

Allegheny County police on Wednesday arrested Michael Barnes, 34, of Scott. He is facing charges that include attempted homicide, kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated assault, and robbery of a motor vehicle.

Barnes is being housed in the county jail.

Barnes and the victim, who were living together, had an altercation early in the morning on March 11 and the dispute turned physical, police said. During the argument, Barnes allegedly assaulted the woman, chased her out of the residence and forced her into the passenger side of her vehicle.

Investigators said they determined that Barnes then drove towards the 1000 block of Bower Hill Road at a high rate of speed. Through witness interviews and surveillance video, detectives determined Barnes then turned onto North Wren Drive and steered the vehicle directly into a utility pole at a high rate of speed, striking the pole predominantly on the passenger’s side.

The woman was transported to an area hospital. She has serious injuries but is expected to survive.