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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, local resident Harold Chamerlain, Jr. heard the commotion in front of his home and witnessed deputies attempting to get control of the suspects in the roadway, officials said.
He rushed from his yard into action in an attempt to help the deputies, and during the altercation, the off-duty FBI agent fired his weapon, striking the resident in the chest.
Chamberlain was treated at the scene by deputies and Stafford Fire and Rescue personnel who rushed him to the hospital, where he died that night.
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.
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