AKRON, Ohio-Mark Carlson, an Akron man, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and other charges after carjacking a vehicle with a woman and her three young children inside. Carlson had previously attempted to steal another vehicle after running out of gas but was unsuccessful.
He overpowered the woman in a fast-food restaurant parking lot and drove off with the children still inside. Two children managed to escape, and the third was dropped off at a convenience store before Carlson was apprehended. Carlson pleaded guilty to multiple felonies and was sentenced to 15 to 19½ years in prison by Judge Kathryn Michael. Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich emphasized the severity of the situation and stated that the community is safer with Carlson behind bars.
