04/05/2006

The Saratogian (Saratoga, NY)
By JIM KINNEY

Hearing looms in attempted kidnapping case

BALLSTON SPA - Attorneys for a Connecticut man accused of attempting to abduct a Saratoga Springs High School senior in October will try next week to keep evidence against him from being seen by a potential jury.

That will include items taken from John Regan's van, which is parked at the city police impound lot on Excelsior Avenue, according to court papers filed by defense attorney E. Stewart Jones of Troy.

Saratoga Springs police allegedly found a tarp and a rope tied in a slipknot in the van.

District Attorney James A. Murphy III called the defense motions routine and said his office will oppose Jones at the hearing set for Thursday, April 13 in Saratoga County Court in Ballston Spa.

'We believe the police acted properly,' Murphy said.

Regan, 49, of Waterbury, Conn., is accused of trying to drag a Saratoga Springs High School senior into his van Oct. 31 as she was heading to her car in a school parking lot following cross country practice.

The 17-year-old screamed for help and was able to get away.

A teacher allegedly confronted Regan and coach Art Kranick followed Regan with his car while on his cell phone with police.

Regan was arrested minutes later on Beekman Street. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping. He pleaded not guilty.

According to court documents, Regan said he pulled into the parking lot to use his phone, opened the rear door of his van to get a map, noticed the runner startle, and drove away.

Regan also faces charges of sexual assault and kidnapping in his hometown.

He is also accused of taking pictures of women without their knowledge. One woman allegedly photographed in Connecticut is the woman Regan is accused of trying to rape in 2004. Prosecutors in Saratoga County want to use those charges against Regan in court here as evidence of stalking behavior.

Saratoga police also said they found pictures and undeveloped film in Regan's van on Beekman Street depicting women in Saratoga Springs. The alleged attempted kidnap victim was not among them.

The student will not be asked to testify at the hearing next week because it will center largely on police procedure. But Murphy said she is ready to testify if the case comes to trial.

Regan remains in Saratoga County Jail without bail.