At a Glance
- Kim Heimgartner witnessed 12-year-old Megan Van Cleave being forced into a Ford Crown Victoria on January 16, 2002
- She followed the car for eight miles while on the phone with police
- Officers found a torture kit inside the vehicle after arresting Brian L. Nollette Jr.
- Why it matters: One person’s quick action prevented a potential tragedy
On a winter afternoon in 2002, a routine drive turned into a life-saving pursuit when Kim Heimgartner spotted a child being abducted and refused to let the car disappear. Her eight-mile tail of the suspect ended with the rescue of 12-year-old Megan Van Cleave and the arrest of a man later convicted of first-degree kidnapping.
The Abduction
Megan Van Cleave was walking home from school in Clarkston, Washington, when 25-year-old Brian L. Nollette Jr. approached her. He flashed a gun and forced her into his Ford Crown Victoria.
Kim Heimgartner, 33, happened to be driving by. She did not see the weapon, but told News Of Los Angeles later that year, “In my gut, it just didn’t seem right.”
The Chase
Heimgartner stayed behind the Ford for eight miles along winding, desolate roads while calling police on her cell phone. The pursuit was described as “an eight-mile game of cat and mouse.”
Inside the car, Van Cleave asked Nollette what he planned to do with her. He responded with silence. She told him it was her sister’s birthday the next day and that she wanted to buy balloons.
The Rescue
Law enforcement closed in after Heimgartner relayed their location. Nollette stopped the vehicle when officers activated their lights.
He turned to Van Cleave and said he would make her “a deal,” allowing her to escape. “Since tomorrow’s your sister’s birthday, get out and get away as fast as you can.”
Van Cleave told News Of Los Angeles at the time, “I ran like crazy.”
Evidence Found
After Nollette’s arrest, officers discovered what they identified as a torture kit. Court documents listed the contents:
- A suicide note on the dashboard
- A black rucksack on the front passenger seat
- Chef’s knives in a carrying case behind the passenger seat
Inside the rucksack:
- Ammunition
- Two disposable cameras
- A roll of duct tape
- Wire cutters
- Candy
- Breath mints
- Dice
- A bag of black plastic ties
Aftermath
Nollette was convicted of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree assault.
Van Cleave’s father told News Of Los Angeles shortly after the arrest, “What would have happened if Kim hadn’t listened to her gut?”
Heimgartner played down her role, saying at the time, “I’m nosy. But this time it paid off.”
Key Takeaways
- One attentive driver turned a potential tragedy into a rescue
- Quick communication with police was critical
- Evidence found in the car suggested the victim was at serious risk
