SWATARA TOWNSHIP, Pa.–A Harrisburg man is heading to trial after he carjacked a woman and threatened to give her HIV in Swatara Township last month.
Michael Ortiz, 45, is charged with kidnapping for ransom, robbery, unlawful restraint, terrorist threats and retail theft. Ortiz was bound over Wednesday to stand trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 30.
According to police reports, Ortiz entered a woman’s car in the parking lot of Walmart located along the 6500 block of Grayson Road on Sept. 30. He threatened the woman by stating he had something that would give her HIV and demanded to be driven away from the store. Police say Ortiz had attempted to steal items from Walmart and was in the process of running away.
The driver complied with Ortiz’s demands and drove off of Walmart’s property. When the vehicle stopped at a red light on Grayson Road, a female passenger got out of the car, pulled out a gun and demanded Ortiz get out of the car. Police say Ortiz exited the vehicle and struggled with the woman for control of the gun. The gun went off and he fled.
Ortiz eventually surrendered to police on Oct. 2.
