Manhunt Follows Failed Kidnap Attempt

A search is still under way in Cameron and surrounding counties for the man who kidnapped a woman at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon and forced her drive him away in her SUV.

The woman was able to dive out of the SUV, and after that 58-year-old Thomas Smith of Clear Creek ran away from the scene.

The woman, who police did not identify, was not seriously hurt. She is an employee of a bank, and Smith is also accused of threatening another person who works at the same bank.

Emporium residents were told to lock their doors; band camp and other activities near Cameron County High School were moved inside, and the school was on lockdown. The Cameron County Fairgrounds was searched as well, but after the search the fair continued.

Smith is 5 feet 10 inches tall with gray hair. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact 911 or Emporium-based state police.

Tina Johns at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center is providing frequent updates on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Cameron-County-Chamber-of-Commerce-Artisan-Center/#!/pages/Cameron-County-Chamber-of-Commerce-Artisan-Center/320556355353

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