Police thwart a planned kidnapping on a rural road in the Nizhny Novgorod region
On the afternoon of July 12, a tense incident unfolded near the village of Maloye Kozino when authorities stopped a potential abduction on a quiet country road. A VAZ vehicle was found with two teenagers inside, both 17 years old, who had narrowly avoided a worse fate after strategic actions by a quick thinking bystander and the apparent threat of a knife from the suspected kidnapper. The teenagers managed to get into the car after the assailant indicated danger with the weapon, prompting them to seek safety in a neighboring vehicle that offered a chance to escape. Basis, a Telegram channel, reported the event with details that have since been corroborated by local law enforcement. Basis noted that after the teens entered the car, the attacker attempted to drive away but the car soon became immobile amid a patch of mud on the road. Unable to move, the suspect fled on foot, leaving the victims strapped with tape and shaken by the experience (Basis Telegram channel). The quick actions of the teens and the response by authorities prevented a likely kidnapping on that stretch of road.
The investigation moved swiftly as police identified the alleged abductor. He is a 47-year-old man from Chechnya, and the hunt for him continues as investigators work to determine his motives and current whereabouts. The case has prompted strong calls for vigilance along rural routes where travelers may encounter similar risks, especially in remote areas where assistance can be slow to arrive. Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activity immediately. The broader public safety message is clear: if you feel threatened, seek immediate help from nearby vehicles or authorities and avoid engaging with unknown individuals who display weapons.
In related news, wildlife incidents and vehicle confinement have been reported in other regions recently. Earlier in the week, a dog was seen in Karelia shortly after being found locked inside a parked car. While this event appears unrelated to the Nizhny Novgorod case, it underscores how quickly ordinary situations can escalate when danger emerges in unexpected ways (Basis Telegram channel).