Springfield, MO – A 30-year-old man, identified as Joshua York, is behind bars after allegedly following a woman home from a Target store in Springfield, Missouri, and attempting to kidnap her while she was holding her 2-year-old son, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Shocking Encounter at Springfield Target
The disturbing incident unfolded on October 15, around 1:30 p.m., when the victim and her young son entered the Target store in Springfield. According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, York was already inside the store when he noticed the woman and began following her around.
After shopping, the woman checked out and drove home, unaware that York had allegedly decided to follow her from the store’s parking lot.
When she arrived at her apartment complex, she began carrying groceries inside while her son remained asleep in the car. On her final trip back, she grabbed her son — and suddenly sensed something was wrong.
The Attempted Kidnapping
According to the affidavit, the woman “had a feeling she should look behind her.” When she did, she spotted York crouching behind a nearby car. Moments later, York allegedly approached her, prompting her to shout, “What are you doing?”
In a terrifying turn, York grabbed the woman and tried to pull her toward the parking lot, police said. While holding her son tightly, the mother began screaming “like a mad woman” and fought back with all her strength.
During the struggle, York allegedly pushed both the woman and her child to the ground before fleeing the scene on foot.
Witnesses Jump Into Action
Authorities reported that a witness driving through the parking lot heard a scream “like bloody murder.” The witness got out to investigate and saw a man sprinting away before jumping into an SUV and speeding off.
Another neighbor, who heard the commotion, grabbed his gun and ran outside. He saw the victim and her son on the ground, shaken but alive, as the mother pointed toward the fleeing SUV.
Evidence Leads Investigators to Suspect
Surveillance footage from the complex captured the license plate of the suspect’s vehicle, which police traced back to Joshua York. The video also showed the man stopping at a gas station, where he was seen wearing a JY Executive Auto Detailing shirt — a company police later confirmed he owns.
York was arrested on Thursday after authorities located him, as per the reports.
Suspect’s Version of Events
During questioning, York allegedly told detectives that he had approached the woman at Target and complimented her, saying she was “cute.” He claimed she had invited him to her apartment, but then changed her mind and asked him to leave.
According to York, this angered him, and he demanded $20 from her. When she refused, he claimed, she started screaming — prompting him to walk away.
Investigators, however, disputed his story, pointing to witness statements, video evidence, and the victim’s consistent account of the attempted kidnapping.
Prior Allegations Surface
Authorities revealed that York has a history of troubling behavior. He was previously accused of harassing an ex-girlfriend and was once confronted by another woman who allegedly found female underwear under his bed that wasn’t hers.
York is currently being held at the Greene County Jail without bond. He faces multiple felony charges, including second-degree kidnapping, stalking, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Investigation Ongoing
The Springfield Police Department confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges could follow as prosecutors review the evidence.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior in local parking lots or apartment complexes.
What do you think about this terrifying case in Springfield? Should there be stricter penalties for stalking and attempted kidnapping? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
