Man Accused Of Abducting Leesburg Teen Sought By Police

LEESBURG, VA — Police in Leesburg are still looking for a 20-year-old man who is accused of assaulting an abducting a 16-year-old girl over the weekend. The girl was located and is safe, the Leesburg Police Department said.

Authorities did not say whether she was injured in the assault. Patch has chosen not to identify the girl by name to protect her privacy.

Police identified the wanted man as Joel Hernandez-Melendez. He is wanted on charges of felony abduction and misdemeanor assault and battery.

In a news release, the police department said Hernandez-Melendez is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, 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, assaulted her, and abducted her.

Anyone with more information about Hernandez-Melendez's whereabouts can contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Leesburg Crime Line 703-443-8477.