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Christmas Day abduction ends with victim uninjured; Harrisonburg man in jail

Ruben Enrique Mejia Garcia
Ruben Enrique Mejia Garcia

A 28-year-old man is behind bars after abducting a woman he had a past relationship with in Harrisonburg on Christmas Day.

Ruben Enrique Mejia Garcia, 28, of Harrisonburg, is being held without bond in the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail.

According to the Harrisonburg Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at 1:45 p.m. regarding the incident in the 40 block of South Avenue.

Officers spoke with witnesses who stated that the 23-year-old victim had been abducted by Mejía García.

Mejía García, who had previously been in a relationship with the victim, came to the area of the victim’s apartment and forced her into a vehicle before driving away with her to an area outside of the city.

He threatened the victim and brandished a gun at her which caused her to stay in the vehicle.

After forcing conversation for approximately one hour, Mejía García returned the victim uninjured to the area of her apartment. Her name and their previous relationship were not provided by HPD.

Officers were on location when she returned and soon thereafter located Mejía García walking on Central Avenue.

Officers detained Mejía García while they investigated further and arrested him on several charges related to the incident.

Mejía García has been charged with abduction, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, assault and battery of a family member, unlawful possession of a firearm and brandishing a firearm.

 
 




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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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