CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – A man suspected of attempting to kidnap a University of Virginia student was apprehended by Virginia law enforcement on Thursday. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old James Robert Allen, allegedly forced the female student into his car on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on the 800 block of Cabell Avenue in Charlottesville, as reported by local authorities.
The student was reportedly dragged into Allen’s vehicle but managed to escape when the suspect crashed his car. The Charlottesville Police Department (CPD) Chief, Michael P. Kochis, stated in a Thursday press conference that the victim reported being strangled and abducted by an unknown male. The preliminary investigation suggests that the victim and Allen were not acquainted, according to a CPD press release.
Following the crash, the victim was transported to UVA Medical Center where she is currently in stable condition. Allen was located and apprehended in Louisa County on Thursday with the assistance of local, state, and federal officials. Chief Kochis expressed gratitude to the community for circulating Allen’s mugshot and commended the victim for her strength.
Further details about the alleged abduction are expected to be released later, a CPD spokesperson informed Fox News Digital. Allen is currently facing charges of strangulation or suffocation and abduction.
The CPD has requested assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues, and a heavy police presence is expected to remain in the area. Allen has a prior conviction for a 2011 felony shoplifting charge, according to Albemarle County records. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the CPD or Detective Raines.