MARTINSVILLE, VA – A man was arrested for trying to abduct a 14-year-old girl in Martinsville.
The incident took place Tuesday around 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of First and Fayette streets.
“A teenage juvenile happen to be walking up the street when a white van approached her and tried to get her to get into the vehicle. Now, he was not able to get her into the vehicle. She was able to run away and was able to call the police,” Martinsville Police Department Captain of Patrol Operations Sandy Hines told BTW21 News during a phone interview.
Captain Hines said there were witnesses to the incident and they assisted the police in identifying the van, which helped them locate it.
48-year-old Francisco Augusto Lopez, of 200 Fourth Street in Martinsville, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and felony attempt abduction by force to deprive of liberty.
Police do not believe there was any relation between the victim and Lopez at this time.
“There is no threat to the public. I feel confident in saying that,” Hines answered when asked if there was an ongoing threat to the community.
This is still an ongoing investigation.
Anyone that has any information about the incident is asked to please call the police department at 276-638-8751.
