A man from Alabama has been taken into custody following accusations of abducting a woman outside a retail establishment and threatening her with a firearm, subsequently transporting her to a church for a simulated wedding ceremony, as reported by local authorities.
On Friday, Oct. 11, a 37-year-old man named Roy Lee Clowder reportedly approached a woman at a convenience store in Mobile, Ala., asking her for a ride, as stated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
After she consented and they exited the store, Clowder reportedly displayed a firearm, compelled her into the passenger seat, and started driving, according to the sheriff’s office, as reported by various outlets. Reports from the Sheriff’s Office, indicate that he is accused of driving around and committing sexual assault against her.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, he reportedly brought her to a church and conducted a “mock” wedding on the steps outside.
According to reports, he is accused of compelling her to participate in a “mock” ceremony to “marry” him. The details surrounding the purported “mock” ceremony remain unclear.
Investigators report that the individual believed to be a victim was able to call for assistance. Authorities successfully tracked her down by contacting her mobile device.
“The victim, in this case, remained calm and was able to communicate her whereabouts to a friend,” Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said. “Because of this, we were able to assist in locating her and getting her out of a very dangerous situation.”
Authorities apprehended Clowder at his home following claims that he let the woman go, according to reports.
Records available online indicate Clowder faces serious allegations including sexual abuse, robbery, kidnapping, resisting arrest, and violating probation.
Reference: MCSO: Woman sexually assaulted at gunpoint, forced to ‘marry’ man in bizarre ceremony