Virginia police have nabbed a man suspected of kidnapping a female University of Virginia student — who only managed to escape when her captor wrecked his getaway car Wednesday night.
James Robert Allen, 40, was arrested Thursday afternoon after a night-long investigation and manhunt from the Charlottesville Police Department involving K9s, aerial units, and officers across numerous law enforcement departments.
A resident of Suffolk — nearly three hours from Charlottesville — he was finally located in Louisa County, a short drive from the crime scene.
Allen is accused of accosting a young woman on Cabell Avenue in the heart of the college town around 9:40pm.
He allegedly strangled her, before dragging her into his car and taking off.
As he fled, police said Allen struck numerous cars before finally colliding with a tree.
The victim was able to escape the wreck, and Allen is believed to have fled on foot, according to police.
When the student called 9-11, she reported that she did not recognize or know the man who attempted to abduct her.
She was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries, where she remains in stable condition, police said.
“She’s a very strong woman,” CPD Chief Michael P. Kochis said during a press conference Thursday, describing how she fought to free herself during the abduction.
Police were able to identify Allen shortly after they responded to the scene, Kochis said, and his photo and information were released Thursday morning.
He is charged with abduction, and strangulation or suffocation of another.