Austin Wayne Wilson

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Virginia man is behind bars after deputies say he tried to abduct a woman inside a public restroom before stabbing her and running from the scene.

The suspect, Austin Wayne Wilson, a man in his 20s, was identified on CCTV and arrested following the incident at a business on Plank Road around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Wilson entered the women’s restroom, hid inside a stall, and then climbed into the victim’s stall. He then pulled out a knife, threatened the woman and attempted to restrain her, officials said.

The woman screamed until Wilson fled. She suffered a knife wound to her hand and was later taken to the hospital, officials said.

CCTV footage showed Wilson in a black hat, shirt, and shorts arriving as a passenger in a vehicle. Authorities released the images, and community tips quickly identified him as the suspect.

Wilson was arrested and charged with:

  • Abduction (by force, intimidation, or deception);
  • Malicious wounding;
  • Obstruction of justice;
  • Assault and battery;
  • Obscene sexual display.

He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.