Suspect arrested in kidnapping of elderly Scottsdale woman

PHOENIX – A male suspect is in custody in connection to the kidnapping and assault of a 94-year-old woman in Scottsdale, police said Tuesday.

Ian Michael Nielsen was taken into custody by Tempe police on charges of attempted second degree murder, kidnapping, robbery and sexual assault.

The 25-year-old Nielsen didn’t have an attorney at his initial court appearance Wednesday.

According to police, Nielsen admitted to breaking into the home of the 94-year-old woman, saying he was in need of drugs and money.

Nielsen — who court documents said was a transient — forced his way into the elderly woman’s home in the early morning hours of Nov. 8. Nielsen then proceeded to tie the woman up and force her into the trunk of her car.

The woman managed to escape the vehicle after it was abandoned by Nielsen at Scottsdale Fashion Square shopping mall, near 68th Street and Camelback Road.

The victim was treated at a local hospital for a broken sternum but has since been released.

Nielsen will appear in court next on Nov. 21 for a status conference.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Related

Retired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment poolTucson Police identify, charge mass shooting suspect who left 9 injuredNBA star James Harden among investors bringing Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill to ScottsdaleMan accused of fatally shooting girlfriend in Peoria mobile home park