Assault, robbery suspect turns himself in

COLUMBIA — A Columbia man suspected of assaulting and trying to kidnap a woman and then stealing a man’s car surrendered to police Monday.

James Pitucha, 39, turned himself in to the Columbia Police Department on Monday morning. Pitucha was wanted on a warrant charging him with second-degree assault and attempted kidnapping in connection with an incident that occurred at 1100 Woodland Springs Court on Thursday, when a 33-year-old woman was assaulted outside the Residence Inn and a man’s vehicle stolen.

After questioning, Pitucha was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, kidnapping and one count of robbery.