Kidnapping story called hoax; city man arrested

Steven Gilman (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Police arrested a city man for making a false report to law enforcement after they say he told them he had been kidnapped at gunpoint from the Rochester Commons by a man and a woman earlier this month.

According to a press release, Steven Gilman, 22, of 30 B Chestnut Street, notified Police that on Aug. 4 while at the Rochester Commons, he was approached by a male and female and was kidnapped and held at gunpoint in their vehicle by the male suspect as the female drove off.

Gilman allegedly told Police he escaped by jumping out of the vehicle and fleeing while they were at the intersection of Columbus Ave and South Main Street and notified officers about the alleged incident.

An investigation was conducted and proved that the Gilman fabricated the entire story, according to Police. He was subsequently charged with filing a false report to law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.

Gilman refused bail and was transported to Strafford County Jail. He was arraigned on Thursday and held on $500 cash  pending trial at a later date.