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Deputies responded to Stratford Place subdivision around 6:35 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, after an off-duty federal law enforcement officer confronted a motorcyclist riding recklessly through the neighborhood, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
The motorcyclist initially left the area but later returned with family members, sparking a heated altercation near the intersection of North Jenny Lynn Road and Cross Cut Lane, officials said.
Deputies stopped the motorcyclist and his relatives, but the group became hostile and created a disturbance, authorities said.
The three suspects were later identified as Nicolas Vazquez, 20, Angel Vazquez, 21, and Xavier Vazquez, 46,
During the scuffle, a 61-year-old man who lived nearby approached the scene and got involved, investigators said. Moments later, the federal officer’s gun discharged, striking the man in the chest, officials said.
He was rushed to the hospital but died from his injuries.
Deputies did not fire their weapons, but one officer was grazed by the bullet and sustained minor injuries, authorities said.
All three family members were arrested and charged with assault and battery on law enforcement; assault by mob; conspiracy to commit a felony; and obstruction.
They were booked into the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond, officials said.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking witnesses to come forward with any video or information about the reckless motorcycle incident or the altercation that led to the shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased resident,” the sheriff’s office said.
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