Gregory S. Knaub

A homeless man who allegedly kidnapped a female real estate agent waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday because he "feels bad" and is hoping to make a deal and avoid a trial so he can spare her "re-victimization," his attorney said.

"We're trying to make this easy on everyone involved," said defense attorney George Margetas. "What he's being accused of is not good. It's absolutely horrendous, in my opinion."

Margetas said drug addiction fueled the May 21 incident and 36-year-old Gregory S. Knaub, of no fixed address, is hoping to get help.

He's accused of kidnapping the agent and forcing her to withdraw cash from an automatic teller machine after meeting her for a bogus showing at a house that was for sale.

After allegedly fleeing from police, he was arrested in a York City portion of Codorus Creek - submerged in water, holding his breath and popping his head up for air as needed. He's in York County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail, charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment and two counts of robbery.

What happened: Police said Knaub set up a showing for a house that was advertised in a newspaper, then met the real estate agent about 10 a.m. May 21 in the 1700 block of Monroe Street in West York.

After seeing the house, the real estate got in her car to leave, but Knaub allegedly got into the back seat of the sedan and demanded cash or an ATM card. When she pleaded with him to get out of the car, he brandished a steak knife, police said.

The woman said Knaub forced her to drive to a M&T Bank in Spring Garden Township, where she withdrew $20 and gave it to him, police said.

He then ordered the woman to drive to the intersection of South Belvidere Avenue and West King Street in York City, where he leapt from the car, police said.

The woman then drove to the West York Police Station and reported the incident.

Knaub, who was sitting on a bench in Bantz Park about 11:30 a.m., fled when he saw the cruiser of a West York officer who was pursuing him, police said.

After another search, a West York Police officer saw Knaub hiding in the nearby Codorus Creek and arrested him, police said.