By Dan Klepal
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati police credited a defiant robbery victim and a "lost" getaway car for the arrest of two men they believe kidnapped and robbed Cincinnati Councilman David Pepper on Oct. 17.

Police say the pair, Michael Gray and Michael W. Watkins, tried a similar abduction and robbery in Mount Lookout Thursday night, but fled after victim Steve Rohde refused to cooperate with them. Police say they picked up Mr. Gray minutes later when he couldn't find his car.

They arrested Mr. Watkins Friday.

"That was very helpful," Sgt. Brian Ibolz said of the misplaced car. "We snatched him up based on a description the victim gave us."

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Section began questioning 21-year-old Mr. Gray, who lives in the 2600 block of Harrison Avenue, and Mr. Watkins, 18, of the 7800 block of Bankwood Lane, about Mr. Pepper's abduction after they were placed in the Hamilton County Justice Center on aggravated robbery charges in the Mount Lookout incident.

The two were charged Saturday with aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the Pepper case.

Mr. Rohde said two men approached him in his driveway, pointed what turned out to be a BB pistol at his head and ordered him into his car.

"They told me to get in or they'd shoot my brains out," he said. "Then I just decided I wasn't going anywhere with them. That was my gut. I turned around and they pointed the gun in my face. I just kind of ducked and moved and told them I wasn't going anywhere and they should get out of here.

"It was a split-second decision."

Mr. Pepper had said his abductors confronted him outside his Mount Adams home, pointed a gun at his head and ordered him into his vehicle. He later was released after withdrawing money for the men from a cash machine.