COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A man who has been charged in connection with the alleged attempted abduction and felonious assault of a woman in Kinderhook Township during the early morning hours of July 27, 2018 went on trial Tuesday in Branch County Circuit Court.
37-year-old Jason Lee Rodgers of Algansee Township is facing charges of unlawful imprisonment and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Michigan State Police say the incident took place on Poley Drive near Southern Road as a 54-year-old woman was leaving her home to go to work in the dark. The woman got out of her vehicle to move a piece of wood which obstructed her driveway when she was attacked from behind.
Troopers say she was struck with a large piece of wood in the head and back area. She was also hit multiple times in the face and head.
The attacker wore camouflage, a ski mask and gloves. State Police Detective Sgt. Heather Lass says the man told the woman that he had a gun.
Troopers say the woman fought back, screamed, and honked her horn, which caused the attacker to flee into some nearby woods and get away. The victim was treated that morning for her injuries at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall.
Rodgers was arrested almost a year ago after evidence collected at the scene was sent to the Michigan State Police laboratory for analysis.
