VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — A Miami man and former executive at Spencer’s Gifts has been arrested in what authorities allege was a bizarre kidnapping plot in a tiny Philadelphia suburb.
Delaware County prosecutors asked at a preliminary hearing earlier this week to add new charges against 76-year-old John Felder of Miami, Fla., including attempted kidnapping and attempted unlawful restraint, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.
Felder’s attorney said during the 1970s, his client was a former CFO at Spencer Gifts, according to the newspaper.
Spencer's is a national novelty and collectibles retail company founded in Atlantic City in 1947 and with headquarters in Egg Harbor Township.
According to Atlantic County online land records, Felder owned a home in Linwood, although he no longer appears to.
Radnor Township, Pa. police allege that Felder tried to use a stun gun on a Villanova man last week while posing as a flower deliveryman.
The victim managed to close his door and call police.
They allege that he had a "hit list" of possible ransom targets and a rental property in the Pocono Mountains to keep any victims.
Police Superintendent Bill Colarulo says Felder was arrested after a parking ticket linked his rental car to the flower shop where the flowers were purchased.
Felder, of Miami, was arrested after trying to purchase a gun on Saturday. He's being held on $175,000 bail.
Felder denied wrongdoing and his daughter told reporters that relatives are concerned about her father's health and well-being.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
