News

Actions

Kidnapping suspect foiled by wind advisory makes appearance in court

Posted at 12:31 PM, Dec 17, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-17 17:24:34-05

Norfolk, Va. - Charges against a man accused of abducting his ex-girlfriend were certified to a grand jury during a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Phillip Timmons came face to face with the woman who says he planned to murder her.

The victim, who was visibly shaken, tearfully testified in court for the first time.

She says it all started with text messages. Timmons said he was coming over to her home and she told him no.

Investigators say the victim and Timmons had a history of domestic assault. Before this incident, a protective order was issued so that Timmons could not come in contact with the victim.

However, the victim says Timmons forced his way into her home, took her loaded gun and pulled her outside to his car.

She says his plan was for them to die together.

Police put an order out to surrounding states to help find the victim, Timmons and his 2001 Black Dodge Dakota.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police told investigators Timmons and his car were near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

According to Chesapeake Tunnel Police, the suspect tried to cross the bridge with two surfboards in the back of his truck.

The Tunnel Authority Road Crew removed the surfboards from the car due to wind restrictions and as the crews unloaded the surf boards, the woman jumped into the driver's seat of the truck and drove toward a police car.

Timmons jumped into the bed of the truck and tried to unlock the door through a broken car window.

The victim got out of the car and ran towards a police officer, telling him she had been kidnapped and Timmons was armed.

Tunnel police arrested Timmons after a brief struggle and took him into custody.  He had a gun on him at the time.

Timmons also faces use of firearm charges and is still on a no bond status.

RELATED:

Wind restrictions help woman escape kidnapper