CLEARVIEW TWP. - A Collingwood man was arrested after an abducted woman escaped captivity, Sunday.

According to Huronia West OPP, a woman in her early 20s was walking on Hogback Road near New Lowell when an older man driving a silver car pulled up behind her and forced her into the vehicle around 12:30 p.m.

"This guy came up behind her and stopped, grabbed her and a struggle ensued," OPP Const. Mark Kinney said. "She fought back, but he was still able to get her in the car."

The woman was held captive in the vehicle while the man drove around until Kinney said she took advantage of an opportunity.

"Basically, she was doing everything right," he said. "When an opportunity arose, she was able to get away and call police."

Police say no weapons were used in the kidnapping.

Police said the man and the victim didn't know each other, and Kinney couldn't say if the man was known to police, or if he had kidnapped before.

"You'll have to get into the mind of the individual, but we're not about to get into that," he said. "I can't get into something that would jeopardize the case."

It was the woman's quick thinking and reactions that helped her escape, Kinney said.

"Common sense dictates that if a person is going to grab someone and force them into a car, then it's not anything nice," he said. "She kept her wits about herself and when an opportunity arose she took advantage of it."

The woman was able to get away and call police, which led to the suspect's arrest hours later.

An 81-year-old Collingwood man has been charged with kidnapping and assault.

"Those are very strong charges and serious charges," Kinney said. "It's going to affect her, but she made the right choices and got away."

Every person reacts differently to various situations, but it's important for people to be aware of the environment around them, Kinney said.

"Every situation is different. Always be aware of your surroundings. Think that the impossible could happen," he said. "I'm sure when the lady went for her walk that day none of this crept into her mind."

The suspect appeared in a Newmarket court on Monday and remanded to appear in a Barrie court on Tuesday morning.