Fort Payne man accused of kidnapping two teens - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Fort Payne man charged with kidnapping two teens

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Billy Joe Greenleaf Jr., Billy Joe Greenleaf Jr.,

FORT PAYNE, AL (WAFF) - A Fort Payne man is behind bars and charged with  kidnapping two teens form Etowah County.

Billy Joe Greenleaf Jr., 35, was arrested after an 18-year-old male and 17-year-old female were taken from Hokes Bluff City Park just before 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

"Greenleaf, Jr., 35, of Fort Payne, is charged with two counts of first degree kidnapping and two counts of first degree robbery, both are felonies," states Hokes Bluff Police Chief Mitchell Hill.

Greenleaf allegedly asked the male to help him with his vehicle, and when all three individuals were near the gold, 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, Greenleaf pulled out a gun and forced the teens into the SUV.

Greenleaf forced the teenage male to drive the vehicle. When they approached a stop sign, both teenagers jumped out of the SUV leaving Greenleaf inside the vehicle. The female did manage to grab the gun from Greenleaf as they escaped.

Both teenagers were found safe and later returned home. The Tahoe was found by Hokes Bluff Police at a residence on Rabbittown Road.

Greenleaf spoke to his girlfriend's niece, at the residence, who agreed to drive him to Fort Payne. Greenleaf and the female were stopped in DeKalb County, shortly after midnight, in a white, 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Greenleaf was driving the vehicle and has been charged with DUI and resisting arrest. He is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail and will be transported to the Etowah County Detention Center.

A $200,000 bond has been set for the Etowah County charges; $50,000 for each count.   

"I want to thank every agency for their involvement last night in the capture of this man. We greatly appreciate their help," said Hokes Bluff Police Chief Mitchell Hill.

Agencies involved in capturing Greenleaf include: Etowah County Sheriff's Office, Hokes Bluff Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Fort Payne Police Department and the US Marshal's Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

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