Pa. man wanted after allegedly raping, holding woman hostage - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Pennsylvania State Police are on the lookout for a Washington, Pa. man that is wanted for allegedly raping and holding a woman hostage.

Police are looking for John Edward Gallo, 40, who is wanted on unlawful restraint and aggravated assault.

According to The Pa. State Police, Gallo allegedly held a woman hostage and sexually assaulted her.

According to the police report, on Sept. 23, Gallo arrived at the residence of Brandy Willard, 33, located on West Chestnut Street in Canton Township, Washington, Pa.  Willard allowed Gallo to enter the residence but then Gallo was asked to step outside and come back in 20 minutes. 

Willard and Gallo are an estranged couple, the police report states.

According to police, Gallo came back 20 minutes later and forced entry into Willard's home.  Gallo allegedly placed Willard into a choke hold and advised her that he had his mother's gun.  He then placed her into his vehicle and told the victim that they were both going to die, the police report states.

Gallo allegedly drove to a remote mine shaft where he stated that he was going to throw Willard in "and then shoot himself and fall in after her," the police report states. 

According to Willard, Gallo had sexual intercourse with her against her will and then Gallo drove them back to Willard's residence, the police report reads.  Once at the residence, the police statement reports Gallo had sexual intercourse with Willard for a second time.

Once Gallo fell asleep, Willard made a phone call and went outside to get help.  Gallo woke up and found her on the phone, grabbed Willard by the neck and forced her into the vehicle, according to police.

Gallo drove East on State Route 40 toward Interstate 70 when the alleged victim jumped out of the moving vehicle.  Gallo tried forcing Willard back into the vehicle but several bystanders intervened and stopped Gallo from forcing Willard back into the vehicle, according to police.   Gallo then fled the area.

If you have any information about Gallo's whereabouts, you are asked to contact Pa. State Police at 724-223-5200.