A woman called the Spotsylvania 9-1-1 center at about 10 a.m. March 1 and reported being assaulted by a former boyfriend, later identified as Ross Carter, 42, of Spotsylvania.
“The communications officer told deputies they heard the woman being forced into a vehicle,” said Capt. Jeff Pearce, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson. When deputies responded to the 11900 block of Belafonte Road, the suspect and the victim were gone.
“Deputies determined the suspect’s vehicle was a dark gray Dodge Challenger with Maryland tags,” Pearce said. “A BOLO — Be On Lookout — was relayed to all surrounding jurisdictions in reference to the welfare of the female victim and her possible injuries.”
Virginia State Troopers spotted the vehicle at about noon in the area of Lewiston Road. “They attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect evaded the troopers,” Pearce said.
Virginia State Police initiated a brief pursuit in the area of Minor Lane, Pearce said. The suspect bailed out on foot and ran into the nearby wood line. Spotsylvania deputies and state troopers began a search.
Virginia State Police rescued the victim from the vehicle. She was transported by ambulance to Rappahannock Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for injuries she received during the abduction, then released, Pearce said.
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy Ridings arrived with his K-9 partner and a track was initiated for the suspect, who had run into a densely wooded area behind Rockland Estates subdivision. “Witnesses observed the suspect hiding behind some homes in the area of Piney Forest Drive and contacted Spotsylvania E-911 communications center,” Pearce said. “While maintaining contact with the witnesses, the communications officer led Deputies and the K-9 team to the area where Carter was hiding.”
Carter disregarded the Deputy’s commands to surrender and again fled on foot. He was apprehended by the K-9 team after a brief chase. He was charged with felony abduction and malicious wounding, and transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
