Fernley Woman Thwarts Own Abduction

Sunday morning, October 4, 2020, began like many other mornings, a Melissa Wortham, 24, pulled into a parking space at the QuikStop at the corner of Falcon Drive and US 95A in Fernley. She and her 3 year-old son were there to pick up some juice for him, before they drove to the local playground.

Whether the white passenger van was already in the parking lot or not, Melissa cannot say. What she does know, is that it was parked close next to her car, on her driver’s side and that it held four large men, each staring at her and her son.

Prior to seeing the van though, she noticed a big man watching and following her and her little boy around the convenience store.

“My son took off towards the juice and that’s when I saw the man look at him. He had an odd look in his eyes,” Wortham said. “He also had a Gatorade in his hand and after he put it back, he then moved so that he could get around behind me.”

“Before this, he was picking stuff up and putting it back, while side-eyeing us the whole time,” she added.

She described him as being over six-foot tall, 200 lbs., with a dark tan complexion.

“I was in so much shock that this was even happening in my little town, to me and my son, that I didn’t even think to get any better description of him or of the other four in the van.”

While Wortham’s instinct was telling her that she and her son may be in trouble, she heard a voice over the stores intercom announce that because the businesses register system had gone down, the store could only accept cash.

“So, I put everything on the counter and told the person at the register that I had to go out to my car and get my money,” Wortham said. “And as soon as I stepped outside, I instantly saw that white van and how it was parked so close to my car.”

“I could see that the sliding door near my driver’s door, was cracked open slightly. And all four men in the van were staring at me, not taking their eyes off me, which made it very obvious what their intentions were,” she added.

Deciding to listen to her internal voice, she turned around to head back into the store, but by then it was too late.

“The guy that was inside the store was now outside and walking towards us, so I rushed back to my car, tossed my son in the back seat then I crawled into the driver’s seat by getting in on the passenger side of my car,” Wortham said. “Otherwise my back would have been to the four men in the van and I’m sure no one would have noticed that they had grabbed me before it was too late.”

Wortham said she had to fight her emotions to remain calm and not cry as she struggled to think what she needed do next.

“I noticed a lady getting ready to pump gas. She had kid’s in her car and I felt bad for calling her over to help me, but I needed someone to know we were in danger. I don’t think she heard me at first, but the second time, she put the nozzle back and came over to my side of the car.”

While trying to get the woman’s attention, Wortham could see the man that she’s seen inside the store starting to approach her car.

“The guy was walking up behind us, but when he saw the woman from the gas pump coming to my window, he went back towards the van. I never saw him again,” she said. “I’m sure they were there for me, but would have taken up both and all this happened in less than 10 minutes.”

The woman helped Wortham buckle her son into his car seat, then waited with her while she called her mother. After a brief exchange, Wortham left the store’s parking lot and after making certain she wasn’t being followed, drove home.

Once home, Wortham called the Lyon County Sheriff’s office and a deputy was sent out to take her statement. Not one to stand idly by, she plans to be proactive in case she finds herself in this kind of situation again.

“I’m glad I was aware of my surroundings and had somewhat of an idea what to do,” Wortham said. “I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I’m also looking into getting my CCW (Carry Concealed Weapon) permit since it’s just me and my son most of the time.”

Reporters notes:

By the early afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 13, there is some confusion as to the whereabouts of Melissa Wortham. The Lyon County Sheriff Watch Commander said she was in jail on charges that he could not discuss and suggested I speak with the Lyon County District Attorney Stephen Rye’s office regarding her situation.

Upon calling the county jail and asking to speak with Ms. Wortham, I was told by a deputy that they had no records of her being arrested or jailed. Finally, I called the DA’s office, and learned that they also have no record of Ms. Wortham being in jail.

“All I show for her is a traffic citation, and that was back in 2018,” the woman in the DA’s office stated.

Again, I was instructed to call the Watch Commander one more time. After confirming who the Watch Commander on duty was, I was put through to Lt. Pete Spinuzzi, at ext. 1005, where my call went directly to voicemail.

Finally, I called Lyon County Sheriff Frank Hunewill’s office. His receptionist put me through to his voicemail, where I gave him my name, who I work for, my cellphone number, and did my best to explain what is going on, and of this articles submission deadline.

Sheriff Hunewill returned my call, saying he was ‘behind the curve’ on this situation. After going over the information I had provided in my voice mail to him, he said he would get back to me.

It is now Oct. 27, two-weeks later, and I have heard nothing from either Deputy Lopez or Sheriff Hunewill.  Further, no official report, case number or press release has been issued in this case.