Authorities recover 21-year-old woman with autism, suspected kidnapper in custody
Jan 19, 2026, 8:48 AM | Updated: 2:23 pm
A photo of Leroy Franklin Nichols, the alleged kidnapper, superimposed of a photo of a Kitsap County Sheriff's Office vehicle. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
Authorities have arrested the man who allegedly kidnapped a 21-year-old woman with autism, and he is currently being questioned for the victim’s disappearance.
The missing woman, who was considered endangered, has been recovered and is safe, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Early Monday morning, a search was underway for the missing woman, who was allegedly kidnapped by a convicted rapist in Bremerton.
The woman was last seen on Saturday at approximately 11 p.m. near Stirrup Court N.W. in Bremerton, according to the Washington State Patrol.
WSP has confirmed that the victim was taken by 21-year-old Leroy Franklin Nichols, and they were heading toward the Lewis and Thurston County areas.
Officers believe the woman was lured from her home by Nichols, whom she met online, according to KIRO 7.
Police have spoken with Nichols’ family members and revealed to officers that Nichols knows the woman is a dependent adult but also refuses to bring her home.
WSP noted that Nichols is known to be transient, and the victim was unable to return to safety without assistance.
Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.
