Waynesboro man arrested after deadly Augusta County abduction and assault

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A 41-year-old Waynesboro man is behind bars after a violent abduction in Augusta County left a 21-year-old man dead Wednesday.

Nicholas Huczko faces charges of abduction by force and malicious wounding from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, with additional state charges pending from Virginia State Police.

Deputies were first called just after 1:00 p.m. Wednesday to the area of Swisher Truck Lane and Lee Jackson Highway near Staunton. A witness called 911 reporting an assault and saying someone had been forced into a car before the vehicle sped away.

Within minutes, investigators confirmed that a violent attack had likely taken place and began tracking leads west toward Alleghany County. Multiple agencies teamed up, ultimately finding the victim, 21-year-old Dylan Cowgill of Waynesboro, at a home in Clifton Forge with life-threatening injuries.

Cowgill was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.

Authorities arrested Huczko in Clifton Forge. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

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