Man charged with trying to abduct woman

CALEDONIA, Mich. (WOOD) - A 40-year-old man has been charged with trying to abduct a woman in Caledonia last week.

Police say the series of events began during the early morning hours of March 13 at the Family Tavern at 114 W. Main Street. They say the suspect, Konrad Spiegel, was known as a regular at the establishment. Police say he went there to speak to a female employee - someone he knew well and tried to cultivate a relationship with.

According to investigators, Spiegel asked the woman if he could take her home. She refused and that is when police say he tried forcing her into a car.

She was able to escape and go for help. A co-worker of the woman was able to wrestle a sawed-off shotgun from Spiegel's possession.

Spiegel returned about an hour later to his nearby home where he lives with his parents.

24 Hour News 8 talked Monday night to Spiegel's parents. Dick Spiegel says his son was passed out on his bed, incoherent and under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication when he came home. Dick Spiegel said police then called the home, wanting to talk to Konrad.

Officers arrived and arrested Konrad, and confiscated several items from the home. "Clothing and guns, in addition to the gun that they found, an air pistol and a hunting rifle," says Dick Spiegel.

Konrad Spiegel was arraigned Monday with assault with intent to kidnap/unlawful imprisonment, possession of a short barrel shotgun, possession of a firearm by a felon and felony firearms charges. His bond was set at $1 million.

"I think he has some problems that he needs help with," Dick Spiegel said.

Despite holding down a steady job at the airport, the Spiegels say their son has shown signs of troubling behavior in the past, including drug run-ins with the law, keeping late hours and frequent drinking. A State police criminal background check on Konrad Spiegel shows he pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession in 1997.

The Spiegels say at times they feared their own son.

"He had a tendency to really curse and confront his mother, which is unforgettable," said Dick Spiegel.

"Sometimes he's like a Jekyll and Hyde," said his mother, Shirley.

The Spiegels say they have spoken with Konrad since his arrest and he said he is remorseful.

"I told him we love him and forgiveness is part of our religion. And I said, 'Be a man and take your medicine,'" said Dick Spiegel.

Dick and Shirley Spiegel said they had no idea Konrad was in possession of so many weapons. They say they are thankful that no one was seriously hurt during last week's incident.