Stryker soldier accused of kidnap, torture

Stryker soldier accused of kidnap, torture
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jan 10, 2009 8:23:21 EST

TACOMA, Wash. — A Fort Lewis Stryker brigade soldier accused of abducting and torturing two women is being sought on a warrant that charges him with kidnapping, rape and arson.

The News Tribune reports that the Army considers 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Nathan Ryan Smith absent without leave since Jan. 5. A cavalry scout with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, he had been at the post since July 2006. He’s an Iraq War veteran.

Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer says Smith has wilderness survival and martial arts training and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Both women say they encountered Smith on Pacific Avenue.

Authorities allege Smith tried to hide evidence of the crimes by setting fire to his Parkland home after the second woman escaped.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_strykersoldier_accused_011009/%2e