Abduction Attempt In Alexandria Leads To Charges

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Police have made an arrest in the Sept. 1 abduction attempt in Old Town that was described on social media as a violent attack.

The attempted abduction happened around 11:09 p.m. on Sept. 1 in the 400 block of S. Washington Street. A woman reported that a man tried to abduct her.

A report on Nextdoor suggested the crime at Wilkes Street and South Washington Street was a violent attack, with the man throwing the woman to the ground, grabbing her around the neck and pulling her into an alley. The report claimed a driver at the intersection witnessing the crime stepped in to help the victim.

Police have charged Xavier Cooper, 34, of Alexandria, with abduction with intent to defile. He was taken to the Alexandria jail and held without bond.

Police are still actively investigating. Anyone with information can contact Detective Michael Matteson at 703-746-6721, michael.matteson@alexandriava.gov, or the police non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Evidence for the case can be submitted online.