Stafford Man Accused Of Attempted Abduction Of Target Employee

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A Stafford man accused of trying to abduct a Target employee earlier this month as she was walking to her car was arrested Sunday afternoon, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. The suspect, Keith Ball, 48, had been wanted on abduction and assault charges.

On Oct. 1 around 4:20 p.m., Stafford sheriff's deputies went to the Target store at 1090 Stafford Market Place in response to a report of an attempted abduction. A store employee reported she was walking to her car when a man ran up to her and grabbed her. The suspect started pulling her toward the sidewalk.

The woman began pushing away from the suspect, and she was able to escape to her vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.

After an investigation, the sheriff's office identified Ball as the suspect. Warrants for Ball’s arrest were obtained for the charges of abduction and assault.

On Sunday around 2:20 p.m., a sheriff's deputy saw Ball in the area of the 3000 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. Upon seeing the deputy, Ball fled on foot, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy gave chase and took Ball into custody. The deputy also noticed Ball smelled of alcoholic beverages, the sheriff's office said.

Ball was charged with obstruction of justice, fleeing from law enforcement, and public intoxication. He was also served the outstanding warrants for abduction and assault. He is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.