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Ricardo Osiel Avilez Blanco, 28, was sentenced to serve eight years in the Virginia Department of Corrections with no time suspended for an attempted malicious wounding charge dating back to an episode that ended in the parking lot of Heritage High School in October 2023.
According to prosecutors, on Oct. 14, 2023, a man was driving with his son in Leesburg when Avilez Blanco began to tailgate and aggressively follow them in a white Camaro, doing several "burnouts" around the victim's vehicle.
Avilez Blanco continued to aggressively follow the victim into the parking lot of Heritage High School where the other driver came to a stop in his vehicle, officials said. Avilez Blanco then drove behind the victim’s vehicle and pressed the Camaro’s front bumper against the rear bumper of the second vehicle and proceeded to do another “burnout."
During the altercation, both men got out of their vehicles, at which point Avilez Blanco threw a metal U-hook and drill battery at the victim, striking and damaging the other vehicle, though Avilez Blanco was just getting started.
Prosecutors say that Avilez Blanco then returned to the Camaro and drove away, only to turn around and drive toward the victim at approximately 25 mph, striking the man who was launched into the air while attempting to dodge the car.
The other driver suffered injuries to his elbow, knee, and palms from the impact. Avilez Blanco sped away.
Investigators from the Leesburg Police Department were able to identify Avilez Blanco as a suspect, and he was tracked to the Pinal County Detention Center in Arizona, where he was being held on unrelated charges.
He was later extradited from Arizona back to Virginia.
“I am grateful for the meticulous investigation carried out by the Leesburg Police Department that led to the successful arrest of this violent individual,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson stated.
At the sentencing hearing for Avilez Blanco prosecutors argued that “the victim was having a regular day out with his son and unfortunately came into the path of (Avilez Blanco) … who drives his vehicle straight at him … terrifying situation.
"In this case, I see little to no mitigation … this is a case where the guidelines do not even come close, this is a case that demands substantial incarceration … a sentence that calls for years.”
The judge added that "there were plenty of opportunities to disengage while this event was occurring … this is an act of violence … it was terrorizing.”
In addition to his term, Avilez Blanco was also ordered by the judge to pay $7,274.11 in restitution.
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