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Wednesday, nov 20
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Spotsylvania County, VA
Police & Fire
Crime Spree Spanning From Spotsy To Stafford Ends With Serial Robber In Custody, Sheriff Says
A serial robber who hit up multiple convenience stores in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg was busted at a Stafford County 7-Eleven overnight, according to the sheriff's office. Marquis Harrell is behind bars after being connected to a series of robberies overnight that were reported back-to-back while detectives were still investigating. The long night for law enforcement in Northern Virginia began at around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, when a clerk at 7-Eleven in the 10300 block of Patriot Highway was targeted by an armed man who demanded money and made off with an undisclosed amount of…
Politics
Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who Northern Virginia Chose In Presidential Race
For the second straight presidential election, Virginia voters leaned toward the Democratic candidate, though this time President-elect Donald Trump came out on top. On Tuesday, Vice President Kama Harris and Gov. Tim Walz received 51.56 percent (2,226,459 total votes) of the vote versus 46.36 percent (2,002,018 votes) for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance in Maryland, according to the Board of Elections. Four years ago, the numbers were similar, with President Joe Biden and Harris garnering 54.1 percent (2,413,568 votes) over Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence's 44 perc…
Police & Fire
Drone, K9s Help Deputies Track Down Four Tampering With Spotsy Vehicle, Sheriff Says
A series of complaints by neighbors in Spotsylvania led to the arrests of four suspects busted tampering with vehicles, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies were called to the Courthouse Commons Subdivision following multiple reports from homeowners about a group that was rummaging through parked cars along the street and in driveways. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, deputies were able to quickly locate a pair who fled on foot, and ultimately they apprehended four of five suspects with an assist from the agency's drone unit and police K9s. …
Schools
These Are Virginia's Top Public Middle Schools: New Rankings Released
Several middle schools in Virginia earned top marks and are among the best in the state, according to a new Niche report. Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School in the Falls Church Public Schools System topped the list, followed by Lylburn Downing, Dorothy Hamm, and Rocky Run middle schools. Earlier this year, Niche also ranked the top public high schools in Virginia, a list that was topped by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. To determine the "best public schools in America," Niche's ranking was "based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from US Depar…
Traffic
'Major' Delays Expected On I-95 In Virginia Through Afternoon Commute: VDOT
Disaster was largely averted, though traffic was blocked on I-95 in Virginia on Thursday by a multi-vehicle crash that left a tractor-trailer smoldering. Both north and southbound lanes were temporarily shut down on Oct. 24, where there was a reported crash with multiple vehicles involved that resulted in several cars and a truck being torched. Only one minor injury with crash blocking lanes on both I-95 northbound and southbound @VaDOT @VaDOTRVA pic.twitter.com/p6ZPYeS8Ko — VDOT Fredericksburg (@VaDOTFRED) October 24, 2024 The crash was reported between exit 110 and exit 104 at …
Police & Fire
Details Released, Officer Cleared In Spotsy Shooting That Killed Marine: Authorities
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's deputy who was involved in an officer-involved shooting over that killed former U.S. Marine Kenneth Carr over the summer been cleared by the Fauquier Commonwealth's Attorney, authorities announced. *** WARNING: The following news report contains details that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. *** Shortly after 3:15 a.m. on June 30, deputies were called to the 10400 block of Spotswood Drive to investigate a reported domestic disturbance involving a weapon. According to prosecutors, on the morning of the shooting, a 911 call was made by a …
Traffic
Woman, 70, Killed Crossing Street At Spotsylvania Intersection Identified By Sheriff's Office
An investigation has been launched by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office after a 70-year-old woman was killed crossing the street while near a crosswalk, officials say. Local resident Wanda Vernell Norbrey has been identified by investigators as the person who was killed over the weekend after being struck by an SUV in the middle of the road. According to a spokesperson from the sheriff's office, at around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, deputies were called to the area of Tidewater Trail and Glendas Way, when a 2018 GMC SUV heading north struck Norbrey as she was crossing. She was pr…
Police & Fire
Fire Marshal Helps Deputies Detain Attempted Bank Robber In Virginia, Sheriff Says
A knife-wielding man came up empty after attempting to rob a bank on Friday afternoon, according to the Spotsylvania County, who got a little help from their friends. Fire Marshal Jeffrey Strang offered deputies an assist in apprehending local resident Xavier Roberts, 43, who was busted after a failed bank robbery attempt in Cosner's Corner, officials say. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 p.m., Roberts walked into Atlantic Union Bank in the 10100 block of Patriot Highway, passed one of the tellers a note demanding money, and displayed a …
Police & Fire
VA Man Accused Of Touching Students With Disabilities Inappropriately On School Bus: Sheriff
A 22-year-old Fredericksburg man is behind bars after allegedly sexually abusing multiple disabled children on a school bus in Spotsylvania, the sheriff's office announced on Saturday. Miguel Velasquez Velasco has been arrested and charged following an investigation into reports of students that were inappropriately touched on a bus, officials say. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, Velasquez Velasco was arrested on Thursday by members of the agency's "Child Victim Unit." It is alleged that Velasquez Velasco assaulted three separ…
News
Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (
Developing
)
The estranged son of a Spotsylvania man is in critical condition after allegedly shooting his father and then himself on Wednesday night, officials say. Deputies were called shortly before 10 p.m. on Sept. 11 to the 3700 block of Glen Dower Drive, where they were met by a man in the driveway suffering from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, further investigation led to the discovery of a second man inside the home with a gunshot to an extremity. The initial investigation determined that an…
Police & Fire
GF Learned Of 'Soulmate' BF's Death At Virginia Party From 2-Word Message, Report Says
The death of a 19-year-old man killed breaking up a fight over the weekend in Spotsylvania County is sending shockwaves through the community. Christian Whalen was trying to break up a fight that broke out along Spotswood Furnace Road in Fredericksburg when he was shot by Kenneth Watson, 18, around 1 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, authorities previously said. Christian Whalen Facebook photo Whalen died as a result of the shooting, and his girlfriend, Lacy Milling, is speaking out. "rest in peace to my soulmate🕊️i love you so much," she wrote in a Facebook post. "i love you christian." …
Police & Fire
Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says
A squabble between brothers landed one hospitalized with serious injuries and another is facing serious charges following a Labor Day shooting in Spotsylvania. Caleb Ralph Merswin, 34, was charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after shooting his 30-year-old brother during a dispute over the holiday weekend. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called at around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2 to a home in the 6200 block of Woodhue Court to investigate a reported shooting, where they found Merswi…
Police & Fire
Teen Arrested For Fatal Shooting Of 19-Year-Old Breaking Up Fight In VA: Sheriff (
Updated
)
One teen was killed attempting to break up a fight in Spotsylvania County and another is behind bars for his death on Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office, who released the suspect's photo on Tuesday. Kenneth Watson has been charged with homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Christian Whalen at a large gathering in Fredericksburg. According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 a.m. on Sept. 1, deputies were called to the 14600 block of Spotswood Furnace Road to investigate a reporte…
News
Teen Killed Breaking Up Fight At Party On Property Owned By Spotsylvania County: Sheriff
One teen was killed attempting to break up a fight in Spotsylvania County and another is behind bars for his death on Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office. Kenneth Watson has been charged with homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Christian Whalen at a large gathering in Fredericksburg. According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 a.m. on Sept. 1, deputies were called to the 14600 block of Spotswood Furnace Road to investigate a reported shooting on property owned by the county. …
Police & Fire
Man Planning To Sell Stolen Tide Pods Outside Virginia Laundromats 'Like Drugs' Busted: Sheriff
A pair with a curious business plan are behind bars in Virginia after attempting to clean up by selling stolen Tide detergents "like drugs" in Stafford, according to the sheriff's office. Upper Marlboro resident Toddrick Bowens, 30, and Falls Church native Sonia Bonilla Hercules, 19, are both facing charges after being busted with drugs and more than 100 bottles of detergent they they planned to re-sell. According to a spokesperson from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, late in the afternoon on Wednesday, Aug. 7, deputies were called to Lowe's in the 1300 block of Stafford Market Place …
Police & Fire
Man Wanted In Fredericksburg Tracked By K9 Teams In Spotsylvania After Botched Robbery: Sheriff
A man who assaulted a woman during a failed robbery attempt at a Virginia 7-Eleven lost a game of hide-and-seek with Spotsylvania County Sheriff's K9s and landed himself behind bars, officials say. Fredericksburg resident Kenneth Wayne Auston, 48, was arrested after being tracked through a shopping center early on Friday morning following the attempted robbery. According to the sheriff's office, at approximately 3 a.m. a clerk at the 7-Eleven in the 4200 block of Plank Road reported to police that a man - later identified as Auston - came behind the counter and assaulted her; however,…
Police & Fire
Shooting Suspect Refused To Leave Spotsy Home, Ran Over Woman While Fleeing, Sheriff Says
A woman was run over after being struck in a double shooting involving a suspect who refused to leave a Spotsylvania home early on Tuesday morning. Joseph Alfonza Jackson, 43, was arrested after opening fire on a man and woman before fleeing the area and later turning himself in, officials say. According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called shortly after 1 a.m. to the 11200 block of Ashby Drive, where they found the pair suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses say that Jackson arrived at the home, where several people were, and was asked to leave. He …
News
Suspected Dealer Caught With Coke, Weed During Seizures In Spotsy, Fredericksburg: Police
Busts at three locations in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania counties led to the recovery of drugs, weapons, and landed a suspected dealer behind bars, police say. Tai'eric Lewis, 28, of Fredericksburg, was arrested following a joint investigation by local, state, and federal police into reported drug distribution throughout the region. Last week, police concluded a long-term investigation that led to search and seizure warrants at three properties in the area that led to the discovery of: Approximately half a kilo of cocaine; $17,000 in cash; Three pounds of marijuana; Stolen gun ou…
News
Mother Who Let Infant Starve In Spotsylvania Gets 18 Year Sentence, Prosecutors Say
Nubia Williams will have 18 years to think about the death of her infant child. The mother in Virginia who let her 4-month-old baby starve to death will spend nearly two decades in prison, Spotsylvania County Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Mehaffey announced. Williams was sentenced by a judge to serve 18 years in prison this week after being arrested and tried in connection to the death of the infant in 2021, the same 18 years she would have been responsible for the child. According to court documents, she was found guilty of felony murder and child abuse/neglect. She was sentenced to 40 yea…
Police & Fire
Man Wanted In Fredericksburg, Spotsy, Busted With Meth During Stafford Stop, Sheriff Says
A Virginia man already wanted in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania counties tried to break bad and was busted with methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Stafford over the weekend, officials say. Locust Grove resident Thomas Chaffin, 30, who is no stranger to police, is back behind bars after drugs were discovered following the stop late on Saturday afternoon. According to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, shortly after 7:20 p.m. on July 13, a sergeant spotted Chaffin and conducted a traffic stop at McDonald's on Ferry Road, which were the beginning of the wanted man's concerns. …
News
Parents Badly Burned After Lake Anna Boat Fire Face Long Road To Recovery
It looks to be a long, uphill battle for the parents of young children who suffered serious burn injuries when their boat caught fire at a Virginia marina over the holiday weekend. On Friday, July 5, Samantha Graham and her fiancé Philip Wright were on the water with their child and a family friend waiting to watch some fireworks when a "traumatic freak accident" turned a fun family event into a nightmare. The incident reportedly happened while they were gassing up at High Point Marina in Spotsylvania County. According to Graham's mother, Philip suffered serious burns to his lower bod…
Police & Fire
One Killed In Officer-Involved Spotsylvania Shooting, Sheriff Says
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating following an officer-involved shooting that left a 38-year-old man dead on Sunday morning. Shortly after 3:15 p.m. on June 30, deputies were called to the 10400 block of Spotswood Drive to investigate a reported domestic disturbance involving a weapon. Upon arrival, officials say that deputies were met by a man armed with a gun pointing it at a woman, prompting one of the investigators to fire his weapon, striking and killing the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Spotsylvania Fire and EMS personnel. The woman was unharmed.…
Police & Fire
Murder Suspect Apprehended Days After Deadly Dispute In Virginia: Spotsy Sheriff
A fugitive from Woodbridge who was wanted in connection to the murder of a 52-year-old man in Virginia has been apprehended, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office. On Sunday night, deputies responded to the 5300 block of Holley Oak Lane for an emergency call regarding Terrance Lee Morris, who was reportedly at an area home and was wanted on a murder warrant following a fatal incident that left Clarke County resident Romero Cook dead. Deputies were able to track Morris to an area home, where he was apprehended on June 30 without incident. According to the Frederick County Sh…
Police & Fire
Fugitive Wanted In Fredericksburg, Spotsy Arrested After Fleeing From Police In VA: Sheriff
A fugitive wanted in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania counties rammed a police cruiser and hopped a curb in an unsuccessful attempt to evade his arrest in Stafford this week, according to the sheriff's office. What started as a routine attempt to serve a warrant resulted in two arrests and a pair of short-lived foot chases, though a third suspect was able to escape, officials say. On June 25, members of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded to Cynthias Place to locate Fredericksburg resident Steven Banks, Jr., 32, who was wanted on a host of charges in multiple jurisdictions. While…
Police & Fire
Driver Wanted In Spotsy, Passenger, Busted With Meth, Concealed Gun During Stop In VA: Police
Two men were arrested following a suspicious traffic stop that saw them trying to conceal items from officers in Virginia, police say. Members of the Fredericksburg Police Department busted local resident Jerome Blake III, 37, during a stop last week, during which he was caught attempting to hide a weapon, but was not quick enough to pull a fast one on officers. According to the agency, during a subsequent search of Blake and his vehicle, they recovered a concealed gun, methamphetamine, and heroin. Blake then attempted to provided false identification to investigators, and it was determine…
Police & Fire
Former Teacher In Virginia Charged With Child Porn Offenses In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says
A 31-year-old man in Virginia who worked as an educator and at a local church is facing child porn charges following a lengthy investigation in Spotsylvania County, according to the sheriff's office. Daniel Brian Fleming, already in custody for a previous offense involving a child, is now charged with solicitation of child pornography and use of a communications system to facilitate offenses involving children following an investigation by the Chesapeake Police Department, authorities announced on Tuesday. In January, the department learned that Fleming was involved with criminal activities…
Police & Fire
Husband Shot Wife's Vehicle During Argument At Spotsy Home, Sheriff Says
A man who allegedly fired a gun at his wife during a dispute at their Virginia home landed him behind bars after she flagged down a Spotsylvania County Sheriff's deputy at court and told her tale. Late in the morning on May 22, officials say that a deputy was approached by a woman who advised that her husband, 25-year-old Everette William Cadden III fired a shot at her amid an argument. After seeing damage on her vehicle consistent with gunfire, deputies responded to the couple's Spotslyvania home in the 6700 block of Morris Road, where he was arrested. No injuries were reported. Ca…
News
Baby Alligator Confiscated From Home By Spotsy Sheriff's Office
A baby alligator is settling into its new home at the Luray Zoo after being confiscated from a local resident. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said the county's animal control division confiscated the young animal. "These creatures are not native to Virginia and personal ownership without proper licensing is illegal throughout the Commonwealth," the sheriff's office said. The Luray Zoo A Rescue Zoo website says it's a privately owned facility operating as a haven for unwanted pets, retired zoo animals, and abused animals.
Police & Fire
Behavior Interventionist, 73, Beats 6-Year-Old With Shoe At Spotsy School, Sheriff Says
A 73-year-old teacher has been arrested and terminated from her position after police say she beat a 6-year-old student with a shoe, authorities in Spotsylvania County said. Gloria Joan Jackson was working as a behavioral interventionist when she was captured on video assaulting the Cedar Forest Elementary School student, the county sheriff's office said in a release. ALSO SEE: Spotsy Teacher Had Drugs In Classroom, Husband Arrested High With 2-year-Old In Car The school's resource officer was tipped off on April 11, the sheriff's office said. The child was uninjured and Jackson was …
Police & Fire
Virginia Teacher Had Drugs In Classroom, Husband Arrested High With Child In Car: Sheriff
A Spotsylvania teacher and her husband were both arrested for DUI and child neglect, as both were under the influence in the presence of a 2-year-old child and drugs were found in the woman's classroom, authorities said. Candyce Leigh Carter, 35, and her husband, Kristopher Donald Carter, 34, were both lodged in the Rappahannock Regional Jail following their arrests on May 16, a spokesperson for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff said. A resource officer at the Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg noticed that Candyce Carter, a second-grade teacher, appeared to be under the influence …
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