ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office says that a 44-year-old woman was allegedly abducted by means of a handgun and raped on June 3 in Millersburg.

The abduction allegedly happened in the 66000 block of State Road 13 at approximately 2 p.m.

Officials say the victim was approached by the suspect, 19-year-old Jalen Yoder, and forced into his vehicle.

Jalen Yoder (photo courtesy of the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office)

Yoder then allegedly drove the victim to a business north of Millersburg, which is where the sexual assault occurred.

Investigators say Yoder then ordered the woman to leave his car. The victim later called for help and officers of the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office responded.

An investigation ensued and the Sheriff’s Office obtained information about a possible suspect.

Investigators were then able to obtain a search warrant of Yoder’s home located at 54122 County Road 43 in Middlebury.

The Elkhart County Regional SWAT team assisted in carrying out the search warrant at Yoder’s home at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Friday.

Officers then located the suspect at his home and demanded him to come out, but Yoder initially refused.

After a brief period of negotiating, Yoder eventually surrendered without incident.

Yoder was then transported to the Elkhart County Correctional facility.

Yoder has been charged with the following:

• Rape (level one felony)
• Kidnapping (level three felony)

These preliminary charges have been submitted to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office.