A Dowagiac man is in custody on suspicions of taking another man hostage because of a money dispute, according to a release from the Dowagiac Police Department.

Ryan Allen McCuddy, 22, was charged with 20 felonies, including kidnapping, extortion, unlawful imprisonment and assault with a dangerous weapon during an  arraignment hearing Friday afternoon in Cass County court. McCuddy’s bond was set at $300,000.

Police believe that McCuddy imprisoned a 22-year-old Lawrence man over the weekend of Feb. 24 ,following a disagreement between the two over missing money.

After getting into the argument, McCuddy threatened the man with a knife and shotgun, and imprisoned him at the home for the rest of the weekend.

The suspect assaulted the victim several times during the confinement and threatened him several more times with the firearm. The victim was eventually released and was told by McCuddy to return with money for him or else he would harm him again.

The victim sustained several injuries from the incident, but did not require medical attention.

The Lawrence man contacted police last Thursday to report the incident. Later in the day, officers located McCuddy driving in Dowagiac and brought him into custody that evening.

A search of the suspect’s residence on Oak Street revealed several pieces of evidence connected of the kidnapping, including the shotgun police believe was used in the incident. Police also discovered an assault rifle, marijuana and powdered cocaine packaged for sale.