Kidnapper caught by Woodbury police

On October 13, 2022, Town of Woodbury Police Department Officers were advised of a complaint regarding a possible kidnapping that had just occurred. Officers responded to the scene and noticed a female who had significant bruising to the right side of her face, near her temple, and swelling around the area of her right eye. The Victim informed the officers that her ex-boyfriend, later identified as Pawel Sliwinski , had hid in the rear of the victim’s vehicle, without her knowledge, while the vehicle was parked at Ramapo College.

As the victim entered her vehicle, the defendant then suddenly appeared, striking the victim in her head numerous times, also while threatening to kill her with a knife. The defendant then held the knife to the victim’s throat, telling her to just drive away from the college. Throughout the time of travel, the defendant continued to threaten the victim with dismemberment, other bodily harm, while informing the victim to drive to a local shopping area located in the Town of Woodbury.

Upon arrival, the defendant exited the vehicle and took the victims cell phone. At this time, the victim was able to escape and contact the Woodbury Police Department. Officers responded to the area and confronted the defendant. The defendant, upon initial contact, took the officers on a foot chase which led to the local train tracks, heading in the direction towards the village of Harriman.

Town of Woodbury Police Officers Medina, Coe, Wood, Sinclair, K9 Zeke, and Sergeant Caruso, canvassed the area and started a K9 track. Officers Medina, Sinclair, along with K9 Zeke were able to track and identify the Defendant running Southbound towards the Harriman Train Station. A short time later, the defendant was taken into custody by Woodbury Police Officer Finn, and Sergeant Ludwig of the Village of Harriman Police Department.

Arrested was Pawl Sliwinski (22 y/o) of Garfield New Jersey, and charged with Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree, Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree, & Fugitive from Justice. The Defendant was arraigned and remanded to Orange County Jail without bail. Defendant is awaiting transfer to the Mahwah Police Department where he will face additional charges.

The Woodbury Police Department would like to thank the Harriman Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Tuxedo Police Department, Mahwah Police Department, New York State Police, & the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, all for there assistance.