Leesburg Abduction Suspect Arrested

Joel Hernandez-Melendez

FINAL UPDATE: Leesburg Abduction Suspect Arrested

Leesburg, VA (September 1, 2022) – Joel Hernandez-Melendez, 20, of no fixed address, was taken into custody with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department and the United States Marshals Service on August 31, 2022. He remains held on no bond at the Newport News City Jail on one felony count of abduction and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery, related to this investigation.

The charges stem from an incident which occurred on Friday, August 19, 2022, at a residence in the 0-99 block of Fort Evans Road NE. The investigation has determined that Mendez-Chicas and Hernandez-Melendez are known to each other.

We thank the community and our law enforcement partners for your invaluable assistance in locating both individuals.

Update #1: Missing Endangered Leesburg Juvenile Located Safe, Acquaintance Remains Sought

Leesburg, VA (August 21, 2022) – Yelsi Mendez-Chicas, 16, of Leesburg, has been located safe. The Leesburg Police Department continues to seek the public’s assistance in locating Joel Hernandez-Melendez, 20, of no fixed address, currently wanted for one felony count of abduction and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery.

The charges stem from an incident which occurred Friday evening at a residence in the 0-99 block of Fort Evans Road NE. The investigation has determined that Mendez-Chicas and Hernandez-Melendez are known to each other.

Hernandez-Melendez is described as 5’08”, 150 lbs., with brown eyes, and black hair. He was last seen Friday evening wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants.

The incident remains under investigation by the Leesburg Police Department Criminal Investigation Section. Anyone who has information regarding Hernandez-Melendez’s whereabouts is requested to immediately call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500 or dial 9-1-1.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.

Original News Release: Leesburg Police Seek Whereabouts of Missing Endangered Juvenile, Acquaintance

Leesburg, VA (August 20, 2022) – The Leesburg Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in locating Yelsi Mendez-Chicas, 16, of Leesburg, and Joel Hernandez-Melendez, 20, of no fixed address.

On Friday, August 19, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, the Leesburg Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a call for service for a suspicious event at a residence located in the 0-99 block of Fort Evans Road NE. Officers responded and determined that, pursuant to an altercation, Joel Hernandez-Melendez assaulted Yelsi Mendez-Chicas and abducted her by force. Hernandez-Melendez is currently wanted for one felony count of abduction and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery. The investigation has determined that the two are known to each other.

Mendez-Chicas is described as 5’04”, 120 lbs., with brown eyes, and dark hair with light highlights. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue pants.

Hernandez-Melendez is described as 5’08”, 150 lbs., with brown eyes, and black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants.

The incident remains under investigation by the Leesburg Police Department Criminal Investigation Section. Anyone who has information regarding either Mendez-Chicas’ or Hernandez-Melendez’s whereabouts is requested to immediately call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500 or dial 9-1-1.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.