NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk man was arrested on Friday after authorities say he kidnapped the mother of his child using zip ties and took her to Ohio.
Investigators were able to find her based on cell phone location data after she was able to contact her family. She said she was abducted from her driveway by the estranged father of her child, who she had a restraining order against.
Norfolk detectives were able to track her last cell phone ping to the Laurelville, Ohio, area and contacted the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
“We took over the emergency tracking on the phone and we were able to locate that vehicle in our jurisdiction inside the City of Logan,” said Lt. Dustin Robson of the Hocking County Sheriff’s office.
Authorities knew they were headed to Logan, Ohio, and were able to conduct a traffic stop on Main Street in Logan, about an hour southeast of Columbus. The woman was safely recovered and the suspect, 31-year-old James M. Hunter II, was taken into custody without incident.
Court records show he was charged with abduction by force, firearm use in the commission of a felony and false statements on consent for.
Days before the abduction court documents show the victim secured a protective order against Hunter. A statement reads in part: “On 4/16/22 in Norfolk… the respondent [Hunter] strangled her [the victim] and threatened to kill her… she [the victim] fears for her safety and the safety of their daughter.”
Hocking Country officers told 10 On Your Side the woman was abducted on Thursday and found on Friday, yet Norfolk police did not issue a news release to inform the public that a woman was missing.
Monday, Norfolk police spokesman Sgt. William Pickering issued a statement to 10 On Your Side.
“At this time, we are unable to comment on the investigation. We are very grateful for the assistance of the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office with finding the victim and arresting the suspect,” said Pickering.
10 On Your Side has confirmed Hunter was booked in the Norfolk City Jail on September 6.