On July 23, 2009 at about 10:50 p.m., police officers responded to a report of suspicious activity on Washington Street. It was later determined that a young woman had been forcibly kidnapped as she walked along Washington Street near Walnut Street. The woman had been forced into a van and made to disrobe at gunpoint as she was driven to Greenfield Center. While still moving, the victim was able to jump, unclothed, from the vehicle as it traveled along Howe Road in Greenfield Center. The victim then ran to a nearby residence where a call for help was made.
Investigators were able to obtain important information regarding the suspect and suspect vehicle through witness and victim interviews and began broadcasting this information to area law enforcement agencies. On July 26, 2009 while on routine patrol near the Village of Corinth, Trooper Richard Billings observed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description as it traveled on Route 9N. Trooper Billings conducted a traffic stop and identified and detained the operator pending further investigation. It was later determined that the operator was in fact the suspect wanted for the forcible kidnapping. He was charged, prosecuted, and convicted after trial and is currently serving a sentence in state prison.
Because of Trooper Billings' alertness, dedication and attention to detail, investigators were able to recover important evidence in this case and ensure that a dangerous criminal was removed from the streets of Saratoga Springs. The department proudly presents the Distinguished Service Award to Trooper Richard Billings.