FREDERICK COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – Today, March 21, 2025, at 5:30 a.m., Frederick County Communications fielded a call that a woman was taken against her will at knifepoint by Nicholas Hess of Inwood, West Virginia.

The caller was tracking the woman’s location heading southbound on I-81 entering Frederick County from Berkeley County, WV in a 2008 Ford Pickup.

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped the vehicle at the state line and attempted a felony traffic stop. Hess seemed to cooperate before reentering the vehicle and fled.

A pursuit ensued southbound on I-81, Martinsburg Pike and Route 37. The victim unsuccessfully attempted to exit the vehicle during the pursuit.

Deputies eventually blocked the vehicle and forced it into the right ditch of Route 37 S. Hess attempted to flee after going into the ditch. The female victim escaped from the vehicle and Hess was apprehended.

The female victim sustained injuries from the abduction.

Nicholas Hess is charged with 5 offenses, including abduction, and is being held without bond.