FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2023
UPDATE 10/5/2023, 12:30 p.m.
At approximately 12:11 p.m., James Robert Allen was taken into custody. Charlottesville Police Department (CPD) will be holding media availability with Chief Kochis in front of PD at 1:30 p.m. to provide an update to the investigation. CPD would like to give special thanks to the following agencies for their assistance: Albemarle County Police Department, University of Virginia Police Department, Greene County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney's Office, Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Virginia State Police.
Charlottesville Police Department Investigates Abduction
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - On October 4th, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Charlottesville Police Department received a call regarding a disorder in the area of the 800 block of Cabell Ave.
The disorder resulted in multiple vehicles and trees being struck by a suspect's vehicle. Officers responded to the area and located a female victim who reported that an unknown male attempted to abduct her. The victim was treated for injuries at UVA medical center and is currently in stable condition.
Charlottesville Police Detectives responded to the scene and began an investigation into the incident. As a result of the investigation, forty-year-old James Robert Allen of Suffolk, Virginia was identified as a suspect. We do not believe that the victim and suspect knew each other prior to this incident.
James Robert Allen is currently wanted on the following charges:
- 18.2-51.6- Strangulation or suffocation of another in violation of Virginial Criminal Code
- 18.2-47- Abduction in violation of Virginia Criminal Code
Allen has not been located at this time and is believed to be on foot in the area. Please call 911 immediately if he is seen and do not approach him.
A heavy law enforcement presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues; assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies has been requested.
If you have any information related to the incident or the whereabouts of James Robert Allen, please call the Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280 or Detective Raines at (434) 970-3266.
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Public Safety Information Officer
City of Charlottesville
(434) 326-3043
ervinkl@charlottesville.gov