Victim hit by cars trying to escape kidnapper

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 7, 2024

A 27-year-old woman was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Burlington on Thursday evening and when she tried to escape the vehicle along I-85 south, she was hit by two passing cars and airlifted to an area hospital for treatment.

According to Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, details are still unfolding, but it is alleged that Jai Montreal Winchester forced the victim at gunpoint into his vehicle, at one point firing off a shot.

The car he was driving pulled over on 85 in the 7600 mile marker area and the victim initially squatted down by the car, then witnesses said she stood up and ran. Unfortunately she ran into traffic and was struck by oncoming cars.

The victim’s condition is not yet known.

Winchester has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, going armed to the terror of people and discharging a firearm in the city. He is being held without bond.