Published: March 01, 2007 11:59 pm      

Suspect sought in kidnapping attempt

SOMERSET — Borough police have been unable to apprehend a Somerset man suspected of trying to abduct a woman outside a hotel two weeks ago and are looking to the public for help.

Authorities believe Michael Duane Howlett Jr., 26, is hiding somewhere in the county.

“We have a warrant for Howlett’s arrest, and we believe that assistance from the public will bring about his arrest,” police Chief Randy Cox said in a statement Thursday.

“We want to see that arrest occur before Mr. Howlett has opportunity to victimize anyone else.”

A warrant was issued Feb.23 on charges including attempted kidnapping, unlawful restraint, criminal coercion, terroristic threats and attempted carjacking.

Police said Howlett tried to kidnap a 22-year-old borough woman about 1 a.m. Feb. 14 outside the lounge of the Quality Inn.

Howlett allegedly told her he had a gun, wanted her to drive him to another location and threatened to kill her if she did not comply.

Just then, another vehicle pulled into the parking lot and the woman ran back into the hotel, authorities said.

“We are grateful she ... seized an opportunity to escape,” Cox said. Police said Howlett took the woman’s cell phone, purse and key chain.

Howlett was identified through lounge patrols, who had seen him in the bar. Cox said videos from neighboring businesses confirmed he was in the area.

Officers served a search warrant on Howlett’s apartment at 185 Plank Road last Friday and seized undisclosed items. Howlett was not home.

He is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, 190 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. To provide information to borough police: 445-4596.