MARTINS FERRY — Anthony L. Hocker, 31, no address available, was arrested Monday for allegedly abducting a woman and her 1-year-old child from a Martins Ferry residence.

According to information from Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland, police dispatch received a call Sunday that a woman and her child had been abducted from 1043 Broadway St., Apt. 3F, Martins Ferry, by Hocker.

Hocker allegedly demanded to enter the residence, according to the witness who was hiding inside the apartment. The witness continued hiding for the next 30 to 60 minutes while he heard “muffled conversations between the victim and Hocker.” After the witness heard the talking stop, he came out and called 911 to report that he believed the woman and child were forced to leave with Hocker.

Neighboring police departments were told to search for Hocker and the victim. Hocker’s vehicle was found in Bridgeport and he was arrested.

The woman told officers that Hocker allegedly threatened her and forced her and her child to leave with him.

Hocker has been charged with two counts of abduction and violation of a protection order. He is being held in the Belmont County Jail on $20,000 bond, according to jail website information.