On Saturday morning, officers with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Richmond man after he allegedly abducted and assaulted a female victim.
Police say Mark Bernardo was arrested in the early morning hours of November 15th, following a report of a distressed female subject in the Apple Market area of McKee.
A Sheriff’s Deputy arrived at the scene and made contact with all parties involved. During a preliminary investigation, officers gathered information indicating that Bernardo had abducted the female under the guise of helping her. According to the Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office, the woman was kept from leaving the vehicle before being physically and sexually assaulted.
Authorities say Bernardo also falsely claimed to be an officer with the Richmond Police Department.
Bernardo was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Detention Center on the charges of Kidnapping, 1st Degree Unlawful Imprisonment, Impersonating a Peace Officer, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Substances, 1st Degree Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment, Menacing, and 4th Degree Assault.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
