At approximately 5:24 PM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible child abduction involving an 11-year-old female at the Walmart in Moundsville, WV. The child had been messaging her family, indicating she had been taken from her home in another state by an adult male.
In coordination with the West Virginia State Police, the Moundsville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, officers arrived at the scene and initiated a lockdown of the Walmart store to ensure public safety and secure the location.
Inside the store, officers located the juvenile victim along with an adult female. The adult female was detained and questioned, during which she provided information leading officers to the location of the male suspect. Law enforcement personnel proceeded to the suspect’s residence, where the individual was taken into custody for questioning.
As of the time of this release, the investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the victim’s privacy.
Sheriff Mike Dougherty commends the rapid response and cooperation among all agencies involved, which ensured the child’s safety and the swift apprehension of the suspect.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
