Waynesboro man dies after ‘violent assault and abduction,’ sheriff’s office says

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - A Waynesboro man died and another Waynesboro man was arrested after a “violent assault and abduction” Wednesday, according to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

ACSO responded to the area of Swisher Truck Lane and Lee Jackson Highway on Wednesday around 1:11 p.m. for a report of a possible abduction, according to an ACSO release. The Augusta County Communications Center also received a 911 call from a witness who reported an assault had happened and that someone was forcibly put in a vehicle before that vehicle left the area.

ACSO deputies arrived to the scene around 1:20 p.m. and determined an assault and abduction happened, according to the release. The investigation led authorities to the Clifton Forge area in Alleghany County. The Augusta County and Alleghany County sheriff’s offices, Clifton Forge Police Department and Virginia State Police coordinated a joint investigation.

During the investigation, authorities found the assault and abduction victim, Dylan Cowgill, 21, of Waynesboro in a Clifton Forge residence with life-threatening injuries. Cowgill died from his injuries at a hospital, ACSO said.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and VSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Salem Field Office arrested Nicholas F. Huczko, 41, of Waynesboro with abduction by force and malicious wounding. Additional charges from VSP are pending, according to ACSO’s release.