FAIRCHANCE, Pa. -- Troopers continue to search for an attacker armed with a sawed-off shotgun who state police said threatened, kidnapped and assaulted a mother Friday morning who just dropped off her child at a day care in Fayette County.
State troopers have been searching for Howard Layhue, who investigators said smashed the woman's car window with the butt of a shotgun and forced her into his car in Fairchance.
Information from witnesses led to the identification of Layhue as a suspect in the case. Investigators said the victim and the 34-year-old Layhue knew each other.
Police said Layhue drove the woman to a remote area in Georges Township where he allegedly raped her inside a camper.
Investigators said Layhue's car was spotted at the scene, prompting about a dozen police officers to surround the area. Officers said they spotted Layhue running into the woods and dropping a shotgun, but the woods were too thick and officers lost sight of him.
The woman was taken to an area hospital where she was treated for cuts and abrasions.
Layhue's lengthy criminal record includes charges in 2002 of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. In 2007, police charged Layhue with burglary, aggravated assault and terroristic threats, for which he was sentenced to 23 months in jail.
Layhue now faces charges of kidnapping, rape, unlawful restraint and terroristic threats, among others.
If you have seen Layhue or if you have any information regarding this investigation, contact the state police barrack in Uniontown by dialing
724-439-7111.
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