Trio accused of kidnapping woman in Madison

Three people kidnapped an out-of-state resident Wednesday after saying they needed a ride to the bus station.

The three people, a man named Joshua Gouker, a woman named Jahaira Riddle, and an unidentified 15-year-old boy, were in Madison for unknown reasons.

According to Lt. Terrell Cook of the Madison City Police Department, they stopped at a gas station on Highway 72 along Wall Triana.

“They stopped at the gas station there to ask for directions,” Cook said.

While at the gas station, Gouker pulled the gun on the victim, who was not identified, and told her to drive south, Cook said.

“They went and got on the interstate on I-65 southbound down near Homewood,” Cook said.

They took an exit in Homewood and decided to stop and get a hotel room.  The victim paid for the hotel room, dropped them off and left.

She then returned to Madison and filed the report in Madison.

“According to the victim’s statement, we contacted Homewood,” Cook said. “She obviously knew where she dropped them off at.”

He said they had Homewood police go by, and they arrested them.

“They arrested him for unrelated charges, related to the possession of a handgun that he had,” Cook said. “And then we now have a warrant out there for kidnapping.”

The three individuals are in custody in Homewood.

Cook explained there is an AMBER Alert that was sent out of Louisville, Ky. in relation to the 15-year-old.

“He’ll be brought back here to face the charges on the kidnapping once he faces charges in Homewood,” Cook said. “Once he either bonds out or goes to court there, then we will physically drive down there and bring him back here and put him in the Madison County Jail. He’ll take the charge of kidnapping. I don’t think he’ll be a free man for quite some time.”

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – April 17, 2024

Events

Check out the 2024-25 edition of “Explore Huntsville-Madison”

Bob Jones High School

Business, Army groups offer scholarships

Bob Jones High School

Optimists award teacher grants, essay winners

Liberty Middle School

Kristen Brown named finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year

Madison

Journey Math Team makes mark in 2 tourneys

Bob Jones High School

Artwork by Charity Stratton on exhibit at library

Harvest

Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘Eroica’ on April 20-21

Events

Orion Amphitheater kicks off its third concert season tonight

James Clemens High School

James Clemens HOSA overshadows conference competitors

Harvest

It’s Spring! Plant sale returns to Huntsville Botanical Garden

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones AFJROTC aces first try at obstacle course

Discovery Middle School

Clifton, Francois earn grants to enhance study of German

Bob Jones High School

Fantasy Playhouse summer camps to open in Madison

Discovery Middle School

Hogan Family YMCA to celebrate Healthy Kids Day

Bob Jones High School

Students in grades 3-5 to compete in Bob Jones Science Challenge

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

James Clemens Football Hosting Annual Mattress Sale

James Clemens High School

James Clemens baseball hot at the right time

Discovery Middle School

Register for Summer Spotlight Theatre Camp at James Clemens

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones hails as section’s top team at Scholastic Chess Championship

James Clemens High School

James Clemens leads at Student Council Association conference

News

Messiah Lutheran’s Rummage Sale turns ‘discards into disaster relief’

Harvest

Madison Academy to present ‘High School Musical – One Act Edition’

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Remembering Tom Monroe- “Johnny Appleseed Of Disc Golf”

x