ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VA: (Rocktown Now) — UPDATE (3/6/26 3:00 PM): According to a release from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, last night, at approximately 10:00 PM, Deputies located Johnson at a residence on Wilda Road in Stuarts Draft. Johnson was taken into custody without incident on multiple charges from Rockingham County, Lexington, Waynesboro and Staunton. Johnson is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

UPDATE (3/6/26 11:22 AM): According to online records, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Justin Neil Johnson on charges of abduction and kidnapping. This is a developing story.

ORIGINAL (3/5/26 11:48 AM): The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a man wanted in connection with an early-morning domestic violence assault and abduction in the Port Republic area, authorities announced Thursday.

Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said deputies are working to locate Justin Neil Johnson, a 32‑year‑old man from Waynesboro, in relation to the incident.

“We are currently attempting to locate the following individual for an assault and abduction that occurred this morning in the Port Republic area of the County,” Hutcheson said in a statement.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the case is domestic in nature, and the investigation remains in its early stages. The Virginia State Police is assisting deputies as the search continues.

Investigators believe Johnson may be armed with a knife.

The victim has been safely located, and the vehicle has been recovered. The suspect is believed to be in Augusta County at this time and unknown if he has access to a vehicle.

Multiple charges are pending against him, and the investigation is still underway. Authorities urge anyone with information about Johnson’s whereabouts to call 911 immediately.