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Gates Police Charge Man With Kidnapping A 74 Year Old Woman

Gates Police have charged a Rochester man in connection with an incident last October where they say a 74 year old woman was abducted and pushed into the Genesee River.

On Friday they arrested 62 year old Franklin Leonard on charges that include attempted murder, attempted robbery, and kidnapping.

Police say that last October 21st, Leonard is accused of entering a business on Chili Avenue, and pointing a gun at an employee, and then abducting the 74 year old woman. He allegedly drove her car to the river, took her from the vehicle, and pushed her into the Genesee.

She clung to a tree, and was rescued by first responders. Police say that surveillance video provided by neighbors and DNA on clothing helped lead to Leonard’s arrest. 

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.