RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One woman wanted for kidnapping in West Virginia has been arrested.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office received a tip regarding a wanted fugitive from Preston County.
Alexandra Abbot was wanted out of Preston County for kidnapping and conspiracy charges. The tip alleged that Alexandra was currently at a residence on Esten Cooper Road in Dryfork, WV.
Randolph County Deputies responded to this location. The tip also alleged that a person was on their way from Preston County to pick up the individual and take her somewhere back in Preston County.
Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and located the wanted fugitive in the front yard along with another person, now identified as Walter Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer had just driven onto the property to pick up Ms. Abbot.
Mr. Shaffer was driving a Ford Explorer. Ms. Abbot was arrested and Mr. Shaffer was detained and questioned. Mr. Shaffer advised that he had prior knowledge that Alexandra was wanted by law enforcement.
Mr. Shaffer then knowingly continued to drive from Preston County to Randolph County to give aid and or assistance to Alexandra Abbot.
According to police, Mr. Shaffer had plenty of time to notify law enforcement of a wanted fugitive but failed to contact authorities.
Mr. Shaffer was then placed under arrest and both individuals were then transported to Tygart Valley Regional Jail (TVRJ).
Alexandra Abbot was arrested on her kidnapping and conspiracy charges. Walter Shaffer was charged with accessory after the fact.
Abbot is currently at TVRJ on a $500,000 cash-only bond, Shaffer’s bond information has not been disclosed.