Former Volunteer Firefighter Charged With Multiple Counts of Kidnapping

Cheltenham Police arrested a former volunteer firefighter Tuesday for multiple counts of kidnapping and other related charges for taking several people hostage on March 31 at the LaMott Fire Company in Elkins Park.

Paul Jordan of Philadelphia was also charged with criminal attempt kidnapping, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, criminal trespass, simple assault, possession of a weapon with intent to commit a crime, possession of an instrument of crime, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, defiant trespass, false imprisonment and burglary.

According to a department press release, Jordan completed his mental health evaluation and taken into custody on Tuesday. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Justice Christopher Cerski, and bail was set at $1.5 million.

On the day of the incident, police say they received a report Jordan, who was fired from the fire company, was holding four to five people hostage. After establishing a perimeter, a police negotiator made contact with Jordan.

Jordan freed one hostage shortly after negotiations began. Jordan eventually released three more hostages and peacefully surrendered. Police also determined that Jordan allegedly fired a bullet into a firehouse wall. No one was injured in the incident.

A preliminary hearing before Judge Cerski is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 21 at District Court in Elkins Park.

(Photo of Paul Jordan submitted by Cheltenham Police)