Woman Escapes Alleged Kidnapping Attempt by Ex-Boyfriend

Dramatic surveillance footage shows woman running into store to evade ex-boyfriend in Butler County, Pennsylvania

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A woman in Butler County, Pennsylvania narrowly escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt by her ex-boyfriend, Kenneth Clarke, on Valentine's Day. Surveillance video shows the woman running into a store to get away from Clarke, who had allegedly assaulted and strangled her before trying to force her into a U-Haul van. Police have charged Clarke with multiple offenses including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious threat of domestic violence and the importance of providing victims with resources and support to safely escape dangerous situations. The dramatic video footage also underscores the role that vigilant bystanders can play in intervening and contacting authorities when they witness a potential crime in progress.

The details

According to police, the woman said Clarke had hit her in the face multiple times, tearing out her lip ring, before grabbing her by the neck and shoving her into a wall. Clarke then allegedly dragged the woman from a home and threw her into a U-Haul van, holding a pair of scissors to her and threatening to kill her. When the woman tried to escape, Clarke allegedly tried to stab her with the scissors, causing a cut in her pants.

  • The incident occurred on Valentine's Day in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
  • Police were called to the 100 block of Pillow Street on February 14, 2026 for a reported kidnapping and domestic assault.

The players

Kenneth Clarke

The ex-boyfriend of the victim who allegedly assaulted and attempted to kidnap her.

Tori Adams

A worker at the Butler Tobacco and Grocery store where the victim ran for help.

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What they’re saying

“There was blood down her face. Her pants were ripped. She didn't have shoes on. And she kept repeating, screaming like I've been kidnapped. Or he tried to kidnap me.”

— Tori Adams, Store worker (Pittsburgh's Action News 4)

“He kept yelling at me, and I just, I kept charging towards him. Like, to try to, like, walk him back out the door, like I didn't know what he was capable of. All I knew was like this girl with battered, bloody and sitting in my back room. My son was behind the counter and I was like, no, we're not doing this today.”

— Tori Adams, Store worker (Pittsburgh's Action News 4)

What’s next

Police have filed multiple charges against Kenneth Clarke including kidnapping, aggravated assault, strangulation and terroristic threats. He was taken into custody following a short chase after the incident.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for domestic violence prevention and intervention programs to help victims safely escape abusive relationships. Bystander awareness and willingness to intervene can also play a critical role in stopping these types of crimes in progress and ensuring victims receive the help they need.