Man indicted for alleged kidnapping, sexual assault of girl in Cottonwood

COTTONWOOD, AZ (AZFamily) — Police have made an arrest after a young girl was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Cottonwood earlier this year.

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Cottonwood police announced that Joshua Severance, 39, was indicted on numerous charges in connection to the alleged crime. Authorities say Severance is currently in custody in Vermont on unrelated charges.

On May 20, authorities received a report of a man who kidnapped a girl at gunpoint in a business parking lot near State Route 89A and 12th Street. The suspect reportedly forced the victim to drive around the city and sexually assaulted her. He then ran away, which is when the victim called 911.

Throughout the investigation, police identified Severance as the suspect. Authorities did not provide specific details on his arrest.

Cottonwood police and the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office is working to return Severance back to Arizona to face the charges. He was indicted on three counts of sexual assault, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of attempt to commit sexual assault, and one count each of sexual extortion, aggravated assault, sexual abuse, misconduct involving weapons, criminal damage and preventing the use of a telephone.

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The department is asking for anyone with additional information on the case to call (928) 634-4246.

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