Man Accused Of Abducting Leesburg Teen Arrested In Newport News: Police

LEESBURG, VA — A man accused of abducting and assaulting a Leesburg girl in August was arrested on Wednesday in Newport News, the Leesburg Police Department said.

The girl was located safely last month, according to the police department.

The suspect, 20-year-old Joel Hernandez-Melendez, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and the Newport News Police Department. He is charged with one count of felony abduction and one count of misdemeanor assault and battery.

Hernandez-Melendez is being held at the Newport News City Jail without bond.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19, a 911 caller described a "suspicious event" at a home in the 0-99 block of Fort Evans Road NE. Officers said Hernandez-Melendez already knew the victim who he assaulted and abducted.

"We thank the community and our law enforcement partners for your invaluable assistance in locating both individuals," the Leesburg Police Department said in a news release.