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AMBER Alert: Missing Louisa teen, abductor may be in West Virginia, deputies say

Posted at 3:41 PM, Oct 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-27 15:42:39-04

LOGAN COUNTY, W. Va. -- Authorties believe a missing Louisa County girl and her abductor may be in rural West Virginia, according to a Facebook post Sunday.

Officials with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said 14-year-old Isabel Shae Hicks and 33-year-old Bruce William Lynch Jr. could be in Logan or Cabell counties.

"An exact location has not been provided. So it’s important to keep a watch out for them," officials with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office posted Sunday at 1:40 p.m.

Both counties are about five hours from Louisa via Interstate 64.

An Amber Alert was issued Friday afternoon for Hicks, who was last seen Monday at 1 a.m. in her Louisa home and is "believed to be in extreme danger," according to Virginia State Police.

The alert was issued after the Louisa County Sheriff's Office obtained a felony abduction warrant against Lynch Friday.

"Suspect believed to be armed and dangerous in possession of a 9MM handgun," state police said. "Suspect had recent suicidal ideations."

Lynch is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 195 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He has cross tattoos on both upper arms as well as a "Bruce" tattooed on the top of his back, according to officials.

Isabel Shae Hicks and Bruce William Lynch

Isabel Shae Hicks and Bruce William Lynch

Hicks is described as a white juvenile, 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She has long, straight blonde hair and blue eyes, according to officials.

Officials said both of her ears pierced and that she has a birth mark on inside of her right leg.

Lynch is Hicks' mother’s ex-boyfriend, who had been living in the family’s home until when he was kicked out about a month ago, according to Crime Insider sources. Additionally, those sources do not believe Hicks was taken against her will.

State police said the pair are likely traveling in a 2003 blue/silver Toyota Matrix with Virginia tags: VEM9071.

However, troopers said Lynch may have switched Virginia tags: UXW-3614 or 249-9UT.

Officials said Sunday that the vehicle is missing its right rear door handle.

Officials said they may have traveled out of state and are staying in areas where they could camp.

If you spot either Lynch or Hicks – do not approach them – contact law enforcement immediately, officials warned earlier this week.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Richmond Division of the FBI at 804-261-1044 or the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office at 540-967-1234 or Louisa Crime Solvers at 800-346-1466.

FBI joins in nationwide search 

FBI agents urged the public Thursday to help in the nationwide search for Hicks, who was last seen Monday at 1 a.m. in her Louisa home, according to Louisa County Sheriff's officials.

Chief Deputy Maj. Donald Lowe said during a news conference Thursday that investigators alerted the FBI about the case Monday.

"Very early on, we realized this was more than what it actually looked to be," Lowe said.

Agencies have been working "nonstop, 24-7" since Hicks disappeared, Lowe said.

David Johnson, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the Richmond Division of the FBI, said the agency has "dedicated numerous resources" to the case.

“Our office, including agents and analysts and other professional support persons, have been working nonstop since the initial investigation earlier this week.”

Johnson urged the public to be on the lookout, "share this information on your social media networks," and report any tips to law enforcement.

“No bit of information is insignificant in this investigation,” Johnson said.

Toyota Matrix similar to the one Lynch may be driving.

Toyota Matrix similar to the one Lynch may be driving.

Missing teen's brother: 'I just need my best friend back'

Hicks' bother, Blake Saylor, had a message for his sister.

“I just want to say we miss you very much and we want you to come home,” Saylor said.  "Please just let us know you’re safe, however you can. I’m still your big brother and I’ll love you forever. I just need my best friend back.”

Hicks' mother, Cortney Lewis, fought back tears as she begged her daughter to reach out.

“Isabel, I love you," Lewis said. "And I want you to come home. And just let me know if you’re OK.”

Lowe pledged to keep searching for Hicks.

"We're not giving up," Lowe said. "We really want to see Isabel come back to her community and her family. We miss her. We’re concerned about her and our entire community loves her."

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