Carter County deputies are searching for a 44-year-old area man who kidnapped and assaulted his estranged wife late Friday before releasing her and fleeing.
Sheriff Ken Grace said dispatchers received a 911 call from a Rolling Hills residence in rural Lone Grove about 11:30 p.m. The caller reported Russell Smith had forced his way into the residence, grabbed his estranged wife by the hair, dragged her to his vehicle and fled. Grace said Smith later assaulted her. Grace said the victim managed to escape Smith a short time later.
Deputies immediately began searching for Smith.
“He had taken her to a field north of Lone Grove where he beat her. She was finally able to convince him to take her back to the residence, where she was staying with friends, by promising him she would follow him back to the field in her vehicle and talk with him,” Grace said. “He did take her back to the residence and as soon as she was able to get in her own car she headed for Lone Grove Police Department.”
The search for Smith continued throughout the night and into Saturday. Grace said about 1 p.m. Saturday the search remained ongoing.
According to the sheriff, the motive for the kidnapping-assault was apparently linked to his estranged wife’s action to dissolve their marriage.
“She filed for divorce two weeks ago,” Grace said.
Authorities said Smith was released from prison in 2005 after serving a 1989 Love County conviction revolving around a manslaughter case. Since his release, he has built up a criminal history in Carter County including convictions of drug possession, driving under the influence and domestic assault and battery in the presence of a child.
Smith is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds with blue eyes and close cropped, sandy blond hair. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is urged to contact the sheriff’s department by calling (580) 223-6014 or any local law enforcement agency.
Marsha Miller 221-6529
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com
