Missing Teen, Allegedly Abducted By Her Mother's Ex-Boyfriend, Rescued

A Virginia teen allegedly abducted by her mother's ex-boyfriend has been rescued after going missing for nine days.

Isabel Hicks, 14, was found on Wednesday night after investigators were pulled over the vehicle that her alleged abductor Bruce William Lynch Jr., 33, was driving, according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.

They noted that Hicks “appears unharmed.”

The vehicle, a Toyota Matrix, was spotted Wednesday by a driver in Caroline County, Virginia, just a bit north of Richmond, WHSV in Harrisonburg, Virginia reports. When police approached the car, they say Lynch didn't initially stop. There was a pursuit, though it’s unclear how long that lasted.

The two were previously spotted in Hanover County on Monday after they knocked on a woman’s door before fleeing into a wooded area, WTVR in Richmond reports. Authorities say Lynch had altered his appearance and shaved his beard since that confirmed spotting, according to ABC News. 

Lynch is now in custody. There has been a felony abduction warrant out on him for nearly a week. The Louisa County Sheriff's Office said they will have an update on the case on Thursday.

Isabel Hicks Photo: Louisa County Sheriff's Office

Lynch allegedly abducted Hicks from her home in Bumpass nearly 10 days ago. He previously dated Hicks’ mother, according to WRIC in Richmond. He was also apparently living with both the mother and daughter until he was kicked out a month ago, unnamed sources told WTVR in Richmond. Those same sources do not believe that the eighth grader was initially taken against her will.

Both the FBI and the sheriff’s office had stated that they believed Lynch was armed and dangerous. The sheriff’s office noted that he “had recent suicidal ideations.” 

It’s not yet clear if Lynch has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf at this time.

Isabel Hicks and Bruce Lynch Photo: Louisa County Sheriff's Office