Man accused of kidnapping ex-wife for ransom

Wednesday, July 27th 2005, 12:48 pm

By: News On 6

IDABEL, Okla. (AP) -- Kidnapping charges are expected in southeastern Oklahoma against a man suspected of abducting his ex-wife at knife-point and bringing her to Oklahoma City.

Michael Hall is accused of kidnapping Rita Hall while she visited family in Idabel and demanding $20,000 for her release.

Assistant Idabel Police Chief Joe Whala says Rita Hall phoned her husband -- who was in Atlanta -- and said she would be killed if he didn't meet Michael Hall in Oklahoma City and pay $20,000.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents tracked Michael Hall by car and airplane and arrested him Monday afternoon at a truck stop on Interstate 40 in eastern Oklahoma City.