Woman Kidnapped After Stopping To Help Crash Victim Gets Justice, Man Sentenced To 26 Years

A Colorado man who kidnapped a woman and hijacked her car after she stopped to help him following a road crash has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Shane McSwane, 29, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and attempted aggravated robbery on June 12, receiving two consecutive 13-year sentences. He must serve 85 percent, approximately 22 years, before becoming eligible for parole.

The ordeal began on May 25, 2025, when victim Grace Dotson pulled over in Aurora after witnessing a crash and called 911.

McSwane, who was involved in the collision, forced his way into her vehicle and held her captive for four hours, driving erratically along Interstate 25.

During the terrifying ordeal, Dotson was occasionally permitted to answer calls from her frantic family. McSwane later stopped at a Colorado City gas station, where he threatened a clerk at gunpoint while demanding a lighter.

Deputies responding to the scene identified the carjacked vehicle and gave chase after McSwane fled southbound on I-25 into Huerfano County.

Spike strips disabled the vehicle before officers executed a PIT manoeuvre, forcing McSwane to a stop. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Both Dotson and the clerk escaped physical injury. “We are profoundly grateful that she is alive,” the Pueblo County DA’s office stated.