Borden man arrested after alleged attempted kidnapping of Salem teen

The following is a press release from the Washington County Indiana Sheriff's Department.

Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller announced the arrest of a 53-year-old Borden man following an attempted kidnapping involving a teenage girl in Salem on Friday, October 23.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Department responded to a residence on North Naugle Road after receiving a report of a male attempting to abduct a juvenile at gunpoint.

According to the investigation, Jeffrey Allen Mauck, 53, of Borden, Indiana, approached the juvenile while she was outside her residence and attempted to force her into his vehicle. The juvenile reported that Mauck grabbed her and threatened her with a firearm. She screamed for help and struggled to break free, drawing the attention of family members who came outside. Family members intervened and detained Mauck until law enforcement arrived.

Mauck was detained at the scene by responding officers. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered a revolver, ammunition, handcuffs, and two folding knives.

"This is an extremely disturbing incident, and we are thankful this young girl was able to get away and that her family acted quickly," said Sheriff Brent Miller. "Anyone who attempts to harm or abduct a child in Washington County will be met with the full force of law enforcement. Protecting our children and keeping our families safe will always be among our highest priorities."

Mauck was transported to Ascension St. Vincent Salem Hospital for medical clearance before being taken into custody and booked into the Washington County Detention Center.

Mauck was arrested on the following preliminary charges:

• Attempted Kidnapping, Level 3 Felony

• Criminal Confinement, Level 3 Felony

• Aggravated Battery, Level 3 Felony

• Pointing a Firearm, Level 6 Felony

• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

The Washington County Sheriff's Department was assisted by officers from the Salem Police Department.

The case has been forwarded to the Washington County Prosecutor's Office for review and consideration of formal charges.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.