Watch CBS News

Md. Man Arrested In Cold Case Kidnapping Thanks To DNA, Fingerprints

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) -- Authorities say DNA and fingerprints helped lead to an arrest in the kidnapping of a Pennsylvania girl nearly 20 years ago.

Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday provided more details about the investigation that led to the arrest of 50-year-old Timothy Nelson in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday.

Police say Nelson snatched the 10-year-old off the street in Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 19, 1999 and drove her to West Virginia, where she was assaulted. She was later released.

DNA analysis of a brown bag in 2004 linked the case to two unsolved kidnappings in Hagerstown, Maryland. Authorities say they were eventually able to use DNA and fingerprints on the bag to identify a suspect.

Trooper Jeff Brock, who worked the case from the start, says it's about bringing closure.

Nelson is held on $75,000 bail.

Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.