Traffic stop leads to Washington Co., Va. kidnapping and drug arrest
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — The Washington County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged a man with kidnapping and drug-related offenses on Thursday.

A release from the sheriff’s office said Deputy B. Thomas observed a vehicle traveling at 91 mph on Interstate 81 near mile marker 23.1 before initiating a traffic stop.

During the traffic stop, the deputy communicated with the driver, who spoke only Spanish, through a translation app. When the driver opened his glove compartment to retrieve his registration, the deputy allegedly saw drug paraphernalia inside.

Further investigation revealed that a passenger in the car was a 13-year-old runaway who had not yet been reported missing. The two were allegedly heading to Middle Tennessee.

The sheriff’s office identified the driver as Elias Garcia-Ramon, 21, of Murfreesboro. Garcia-Ramon was charged with the following:

  • Possession Schedule I or II Drugs
  • Contribute to Delinquency, Abuse of Child
  • Reckless Driving, Excessive Speed
  • Abduction and Kidnapping

Garcia-Ramon is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail without bond.

The sheriff’s office said it is working with immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to verify Garcia-Ramon’s immigration status.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Tragic Early Morning Accident: Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Shakes Aiken, SC Community

On the early morning of December 21, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded…

Instacart to Issue $60 Million in Customer Refunds Following Allegations of Misleading Practices

In a significant development, Instacart, the popular grocery delivery service, has consented…

Bold Heist: Man Swipes Deputy’s Patrol Vehicle in Daring South Carolina Escape

In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, authorities have apprehended a man accused of…

Discover Which Fast-Food Chains and Restaurants Will Open Their Doors on Christmas Day 2025

For those planning to travel or simply avoiding the traditional Christmas dinner…

FBI Indictments Ignite Hope: Mica Miller Advocates Celebrate the Path to Justice

SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — For close to two years, supporters of Mica…

Edgewater Alert: Mother Defies No-Contact Order, Flees with Two Children

EDGEWATER, Fla. – In a concerning development, the Edgewater Police Department has…

Russian General Fatally Targeted by Car Bombing in Moscow

MOSCOW – A Russian general tragically lost his life on Monday morning…

Building Resilience: Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane-Ready Homes Transform Hillsborough County

BRANDON, Fla. — Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins recently visited Windhorst Commons,…