911 Kidnapping Call Leads to Traffic Stop in Lavonia; Investigation Ongoing

LAVONIA, Ga. — Police are continuing to investigate after a 911 caller reported being assaulted and kidnapped, prompting a multi-agency response that ended with a traffic stop in Lavonia.

According to the Lavonia Police Department, the incident began around 9 p.m. Monday when the Hart County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an individual claiming he had been assaulted and kidnapped.

Dispatchers used phone tracking to determine the call originated near Hartwell and observed the caller traveling toward Lavonia. Authorities said the caller appeared to be in distress, and a language barrier made communication difficult.

Law enforcement tracked the vehicle as it entered Lavonia and turned onto Bowman Street from Vickery Street.

Lavonia officers and Hart County deputies stopped the vehicle, described as a green semi-truck, on Bowman Street.

Police said the truck was occupied by two Hispanic males. The passenger showed signs of injury consistent with a possible altercation, while the driver was not injured.

Despite efforts to communicate with both individuals, including using a Spanish-speaking translator, officers said they were unable to determine exactly what happened or where any alleged crime may have occurred.

Authorities said it was confirmed the passenger was voluntarily in the vehicle.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit was called to inspect the truck and ultimately placed it out of service due to multiple violations. The vehicle was later impounded.

Police said the investigation into the reported assault remains ongoing as authorities work to determine where the incident may have taken place and who may be responsible.