CULPEPER, Va. — An exhaustive investigation has led to the arrest of three foreign nationals in connection with an abduction and residential robbery spanning two counties.
According to the Culpeper Police Department (CPD):
At approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 27, 2025, an adult victim was leaving Walmart (801 James Madison Hwy) in Culpeper when the suspects approached her, asking if they could sit in her vehicle for a few minutes to cool off from the heat.
Once inside the vehicle, the subjects displayed a firearm and forced the victim to drive first to an ATM, then to her residence in Orange County.
At the residence, the suspects stole cash and personal property before forcing her to drive them to the town of Orange, where they fled.
The victim was not physically harmed during the incident and has been provided with Victim/Witness services.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) alerted CPD about the incident, prompting a multi-jurisdictional investigation.
During the course of the investigation, Culpeper detectives identified a vehicle tied to the suspects.
The vehicle was entered into the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, which generated alerts in both Stafford and King George counties on August 28, 2025. Deputies in King George located the vehicle and apprehended all three suspects without incident.
The arrests led to the execution of multiple search warrants at various locations, resulting in the recovery of additional evidence.
The three suspects were identified as:
• Claudia Teresa Aldana Restrepo, 50, of Colombia
• Elisa Andrea Espitia Campos, 47, of Colombia
• Luis Felipe Garcia Baez, 48, of Mexico
Authorities noted that none of the individuals have permanent addresses in the United States.
The CPD charged the trio with:
• Felony Robbery with a Firearm
• Felony Abduction by Force
• Felony Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery
The OCSO has also filed charges, including:
• Felony Robbery with a Firearm
• Felony Abduction by Force
• Felony Carjacking with a Firearm
• Felony Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery
The suspects are being held without bond at Central Virginia Regional Jail.
“The actions of these criminals have significantly impacted our community’s sense of safety,” said CPD Chief C. Settle. “Utilizing the combination of technology and old-fashioned police work, our detectives and crime analyst worked alongside our partner law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend these criminals. Technology like Flock ALPR has become an integral part of apprehending violent criminals, and its effectiveness is amplified when paired with experienced law enforcement professionals. Thank you to our partner agencies for their ongoing assistance and cooperation.”
Investigators said additional charges may follow as the case develops.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Sgt. Det. N. McGuckin at 540-829-5523 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.org.
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