Tallassee man accused of kidnapping his wife

TALLASSEE, Ala. (WSFA) – A local man with a history of domestic violence was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly kidnapping his wife the day before, according to Tallassee police.

The investigation began after his wife Polly Thornton disappeared on Monday. She was found unharmed on Tuesday, while her husband, Steven Alan Thornton, 60, was arrested at the couple’s home. He is now charged with first-degree kidnapping and is currently in the Tallapoosa County Jail.

Court records show he also faces a third-degree domestic violence charge for allegedly hitting her with his hands and a stick, as well as an additional charge of child abandonment.

A bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Court documents shed light on the incident. The criminal complaint alleges that Polly Thornton was taken while she was at home caring for her grandchild while the toddler’s mother – her daughter – was working.

Investigators say Steven Thornton called her daughter at work, left profanities and insults on her voicemail and allegedly threatened, “Her mother will be dead.”

According to the information, the daughter rushed to her parents’ house and found the toddler there alone but unharmed. Her mother and her car were nowhere to be found.

Police soon released a public notice about the missing woman after attempts to trace her cellphones failed.

The records do not indicate where Polly Thornton was found the next day when her husband was arrested.

Investigators believe the couple has a history of domestic violence and that Steven Thornton was previously convicted of murdering his wife.

Her daughter told police she suspected drugs played a role in her father’s behavior, the complaint says.

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