Attempted kidnapping ends with arrest

By SUSAN SHARP

LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- An Ilinois man is in jail following an attempt to abduct a woman in LaFollette.

Around 9:30am the LaFollette Police responded to a call of a possible kidnapping.

A 20-year-old woman was on N. 13th St., in LaFollette when she was approached by 61-year-old Ronnie Carroll. He allegedly showed her a black pistol and attempted to accost her. “She was able to break free from him at that time,” LPD Chief Matt Forsyth told WLAF.

She ran to the nearby Corner Market where he grabbed her again. The store employees intervened prompting Carroll to run.

LPD Officers located him on N. 15th where Carroll allegedly refused to comply with the officers’ commands. He then “reached for the pistol,” according to Forsyth. Carroll was soon Tased and fell to the ground.

Officers discovered the gun in question was an Air Soft gun, the chief said.

Carroll is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault on officer, resisting arrest and public intoxication.

He is homeless. Carroll allegedly said he has family ties to Campbell County.

“Our officers arrived at the scene quickly. The ensured the victim was safe and began a search the suspect,” the chief said speaking exclusively with WLAF. ” Our officers make me proud every day in how they do their jobs and take care of the community. The have a sense of professionalism that is exhibited in all they do,” Forsyth said.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 7/26/2025-2:30PM)