Hostage suspect on the run after standoff in Worthington, police say

WORTHINGTON, Pa. — A man accused of holding his ex-girlfriend hostage Thursday was in a standoff with police in Armstrong County before escaping, and detectives are searching for him.

Authorities said the situation began as a domestic dispute between a man and a woman. The woman told police her ex-boyfriend, Keith Kammerdeiner, held her captive against her will until she was able to escape.

The woman ran to a nearby store after escaping and used Matt Williamson’s cellphone to call 911.

“This lady came in and asked if she could use my phone to call 911 and I said, ‘Yes,’” Williamson said. “I asked her what was wrong and she told me her ex tried to kill her and commit suicide.”

Detectives believed Kammerdeiner had a hand grenade inside the Main Street home in Worthington, but when they entered the house, he was gone.

According to police, Kammerdeiner is driving a white Jeep Cherokee with a lift and tinted windows. He was last seen driving south on Freeport Road.

Police said he is armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees the Jeep or Kammerdeiner is asked to contact police.

The woman involved in the incident was taken to an area hospital to be checked out. Her name and condition have not been released.

WPXI