Man on the run after beating up ex-girlfriend, kidnapping her baby

As of Thursday, local law enforcement officials were still searching for a 24-year-old man suspected of beating up his ex-girlfriend and kidnapping her child on Monday, according to the Port Orchard Police Department.

Chief Al Townsend said William Suffren Herdman V was wanted for assault, kidnapping and auto theft after allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend, a 22-year-old Port Orchard woman, in the face, then driving off in her car with her 15-month-old child still on board.

According to Townsend, Herdman and the victim were driving in the car together in Port Orchard around 3:30 p.m. when they stopped in front of a tire company on the 1200 block of Bay Street.

Herdman then allegedly began assaulting the woman, fracturing her jaw and leaving her with severe lacerations on her face.

Townsend said the woman managed to get out of the car, then Herdman drove off with her toddler still in the backseat.

Police believe Herdman is the toddler’s father, but the suspect has no parental rights to the child.

Townsend said Herdman drove the car to his parents’ home on Banner Road, before abandoning the vehicle and child to flee on foot. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate Herdman.

Herdman is described as a white male, six feet tall and 160 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information on the location of Herdman is urged to call 911.

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