On November 18, 2016 at approximately 9:18 p.m. patrol units responded to a Robbery in Progress call in Thomas Jefferson Place. When deputies arrived the victim advised that she was from out of town and had arranged an online date with the man who subsequently robbed her. She had met the man at a townhome and they proceeded downstairs. The victim stated that the man then pulled out a gun and demanded sexual favors. She fled the scene leaving her purse, car keys and phone inside. She ran to a neighbor’s house to call for help.

While deputies were on the scene, a witness advised that a male subject, matching the description provided, was seen leaving the area in a teal Nissan with temporary tags. Later a patrol unit observed the vehicle near the intersection of Forbes Street and Layhill Road and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect pulled over and ran from his vehicle but was not immediately apprehended. The victim’s phone, purse and keys were recovered from the abandoned Nissan.

The following day deputies returned to the James Madison Circle townhome with warrants for the arrest of Ernst-Benoit Messi. The woman who answered the door gave permission to search the residence. Messi was found in the basement of the residence hiding behind the washer/dryer with boxes stacked on top of him.

Ernst-Benoit Messi, age 25, of Edgemore Court in Woodbridge, was taken into custody and charged with Abduction and Kidnapping, Use/Display of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Robbery, Assault & Battery, Weapon Possession by Felon, Resisting Arrest and Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License. Messi is incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond.