Stafford VA. A suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office following a domestic incident.

On October 16, 2019, at approximately 8:07 p.m., a 911 caller reported being flagged down by a distraught female subject who was running down the road barefoot in the area of Port Aquia Drive and Schooner Way. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim sitting in the caller’s vehicle.

She told deputies that her husband had become increasingly hostile recently, so she attempted to leave the residence earlier that evening. While she was packing, her husband came home and began assaulting her. He also took her phone and car keys so that she could not leave. The victim was able to escape when her husband went to the basement of the home. He said he was going to get a screwdriver and kill her with it.

Deputies searched the home for the subject, but he had already left the residence in his vehicle. They then obtained warrants on Landry Mabaya Mbu, 43, of Stafford for abduction, domestic assault, and preventing 911.

Units canvassed the area and initially were unable to locate the suspect. However, Deputy Mangan later returned to the residence and found the suspect’s vehicle parked in front of the house. Additional units responded to the scene. They repeatedly knocked on the door and eventually observed the suspect on the staircase. He refused to answer the door. Eventually, Deputy Ahern breached the door and the suspect was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

The suspect was served the warrants and received an additional charge for obstruction of justice. He was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

ROAD CLOSURES: The Halloween 5K and Monster Mile is coming up this weekend here in Stafford County. We want to alert the public to the following road closures set to occur the morning of October 26, 2019 from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Mine Road south will be shut down between Embrey Mill Road and Courthouse Road. All traffic attempting to reach Courthouse Road should use Austin Ridge Drive. All traffic reaching the intersection of Embrey Mill Road will be directed onto westbound Embrey Mill Road.

• Embrey Mill Road eastbound (towards Mine Road) will be closed. Traffic will only be permitted to go west on Embrey Mill Road towards Winding Creek Road.

Anyone seeking to access the event or the Rouse Center should access Mine Road via Courthouse Road and make the left into the Rouse Center. We are asking motorists to use caution in the area and follow the direction of Sheriff’s Office personnel on scene controlling traffic. Enjoy your weekend and drive safely!

Stafford VA. Two suspects were taken into custody on Friday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office on numerous charges following a pursuit during which the driver attempted to hit a law enforcement officer.

On October 25, 2019, at approximately 6:58 p.m., Deputy Pearce responded to reports of a reckless driver who was involved in a hit and run incident. The deputy located the suspect vehicle on Jefferson Davis Highway in the area of Hospital Center Boulevard. He attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued traveling. The suspect vehicle was being driven erratically and repeatedly crossed over the double yellow and solid white lines on the roadway.

The suspect vehicle eventually pulled over on Jefferson Davis Highway in the area of Sage Lane. The deputy ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver failed to comply with the deputy’s commands; instead, he made an illegal U-turn and fled the scene, traveling northbound on Jefferson Davis Highway. The deputy returned to his vehicle and began pursuing the suspect.

Additional units subsequently joined the pursuit. Sergeant Aubry deployed stop sticks—a tire deflation device—in the area of Courthouse Road. When the suspect vehicle approached, it headed straight towards Sgt. Aubry and attempted to strike him.

The suspect vehicle continued traveling northbound at a high rate of speed and struck another vehicle in the area of Bells Hill Road. The suspect vehicle came to a stop after striking several parked vehicles on Cork Street. The driver and passenger were then immediately detained by deputies.

The driver was identified as Daryl Hatfield Jr., 31, of Fredericksburg and the passenger as Brandi Abbott, 20, of Fredericksburg. A search of the driver’s person yielded a firearm, two plastic bags containing capsules of suspected heroin/fentanyl, and a significant amount of cash. A search of the passenger’s person yielded multiple bags of capsules of suspected heroin/fentanyl, and a bag containing a white powdery substance.

Hatfield was taken into custody on charges of attempted capital murder, eluding, driving under the influence second in ten years, driving revoked DUI related, transporting a schedule I or II substance into Virginia, carrying a concealed weapon second offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a schedule I or II substance while in possession of a firearm.

Abbott was taken into custody on charges of transporting a schedule I or II substance into Virginia, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I or II substance.

Both suspects were incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

“Our country is in the midst of a serious opioid crisis and law enforcement is on the frontlines,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated men and women of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office, the dangerous drugs found in this case will not find their way back onto the streets of our community.”

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is searching for a runaway named Chloe Jordan Saul. The 17-year-old white female subject is 5’1”, 100 lbs., and has red hair and hazel eyes. She is believed to be in the area of the Walmart located at 217 Garrisonville Road. She is also known to frequent the McDonald’s across the street. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will have additional deputies patrolling the neighborhoods of Stafford County on Halloween evening, Thursday, October 31, 2019, to ensure that trick-or-treaters have a safe night.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office will offer candy screening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stafford Courthouse located at 1300 Courthouse Road. Please note: The x-ray process can only detect the presence of pins, needles or other metallic objects.

The Sheriff’s Office will also be participating in a Halloween “Tweet Along.” Follow us on social media at #SCSOTweetsOnPatrol.

The Sheriff’s Office is recommending that trick-or-treaters follow these Halloween safety tips:

• Drug-laced edibles are legal in some states. Have an adult inspect the ingredient label of any off brand candy you are unfamiliar with.
• Have your name and address attached to your costume or wear an identification bracelet.
• Use flashlights and wear reflective or light colored clothing.
• Stay in a group while trick-or-treating and only visit homes with porch lights on.
• Never enter the home of a stranger or accept rides from a stranger.
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks, when available, and obey all traffic signals.

“The safety of the community is our number one priority,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “We will have a visible presence throughout the county on Halloween to ensure trick-or-treaters enjoy a safe and fun-filled evening. The men and women of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office will be working around the clock to keep the community safe.”

Stafford VA. Three juveniles were struck by a vehicle this morning while walking to their bus stop. The incident is under investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 1, 2019, at approximately 7:38 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a pedestrian struck in the area of Highpointe Boulevard and Pinnacle Drive. Upon arrival, deputies learned three juveniles—an 11-year-old male and two 13-year-old males—were struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk to their bus stop. The juveniles were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver was identified as Jose Minas, 37, of Stafford. He has been charged with reckless driving, obscured windshield, defective equipment, and failure to yield to pedestrians.

Deputies will be conducting extra checks at school bus stops in the area during school hours. We are asking anyone who sees a motorist operating unsafely around a school bus or school bus stop to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Aiden Finney is a first-grade student at Ferry Farm Elementary School. He is also a hero.

Several weeks ago, the students were enjoying lunch when Aiden noticed that his classmate was choking. Aiden immediately sprang into action and notified his School Protection Officer. Deputy Brown then performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student, saving his life.

Yesterday, while attending the DARE March at Ferry Farm Elementary, Sheriff Decatur presented Aiden with a certificate recognizing his heroic actions that day. We also learned that Aiden dreams of becoming a Sheriff’s Deputy one day.

“Being a good law enforcement officer requires a heart for service and a deep love for one’s community,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “At this young age, Aiden already exemplifies these qualities and we at the Sheriff’s Office are moved by his humility and bravery.”

“We are also very proud of Deputy Brown,” Sheriff Decatur added. “Our School Protection Officers are responsible for the immediate safety and security of our students, teachers, and school staff. Thanks to the heroic actions of Deputy Brown and Aiden, a student’s life was saved.”

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing person named Kayla Noelle Scott. She is an 18-year-old white female and is described as 5’5,” 125 lbs., and has purple hair and blue eyes. She also has a nose piercing and a tattoo of a tropical flower on her right foot. She was last seen in southeast Washington DC and may be in Prince George’s County, MD. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford VA. A suspect was arrested on Monday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office after shooting at a male subject outside of a gas station and convenience store.

On November 4, 2019, at approximately 9:42 p.m., Sgt. Aubry responded to reports of shots fired in the area of the Exxon station located at 375 Warrenton Road. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing the sound of a gunshot and observing a group of people in the parking lot dispersing.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim who said he was shot at by a male subject following a verbal altercation. The suspect then fled in the direction of the nearby Motel 6. No one reported any injuries as a result of the shooting.

The suspect was identified as Rakim Clay, 31, of Fredericksburg. He was located exiting a room at the Motel 6 and was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. He is charged with attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a weapon by a felon, reckless handling of a firearm, carrying concealed, and brandishing a weapon.

Stafford VA. A woman was arrested on Saturday by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for attempted murder of her two juvenile children during a mental health crisis.

On November 9, 2019, at approximately 7:58 a.m., units responded to the 200 block of Campus Drive after receiving information regarding a distraught woman at a residence. Upon arrival, they found a 9-year-old child and a 4-year-old child alone at the residence.

The woman was identified as Tracy Ann Wiggins, 31, of Fredericksburg. She was located in her parked vehicle in the area of Centreport Parkway and the Interstate 95 entrance ramp. Deputies then learned she had attempted to murder her two children before leaving the residence that morning.

She was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail on charges of attempted capital murder.

In the spirit of Veterans Day, we’d like to share a heartwarming story with you today.

“We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause.” — Ronald Reagan, Nov. 11, 1988

The heroism of our country’s veterans extends far beyond the battlefield. The same principles that guided them in the throes of war—courage, loyalty, duty, and selflessness—also guide them here at home in the seemingly mundane activities of daily life.

Several days ago, our deputies witnessed an unforgettable example of the brotherhood that exists among veterans. It all began with a call for a stolen vehicle. Sgt. Aubry arrived at Stafford Hospital and met with the caller, an elderly gentleman who expressed his fears that his car may have been stolen. He told the deputy he had been driving along Route 1 when he got a flat tire. Still several miles from his destination—the hospital—he didn’t know what to do.

Out of nowhere, he was approached by a man who offered his assistance. He told the elderly gentleman that his name is Chris Martin and he is an Army veteran. Mr. Martin then offered to escort him to the hospital and help him fix the tire. True to his word, Mr. Martin, joined by another Army veteran, escorted the elderly man to the hospital. When they arrived, Mr. Martin mentioned having a friend with an auto repair shop. The elderly gentleman put his trust in Mr. Martin and gave him the keys to his car.
A significant amount of time crept by and the elderly gentleman still hadn’t heard from Mr. Martin. He called the Sheriff’s Office to report his stolen vehicle. As Sgt. Aubry was talking to the elderly gentleman, Mr. Martin arrived. He had gotten the tire fixed—free of charge.

The elderly gentleman was moved to tears by the act of kindness. Mr. Martin then learned that the gentleman was a Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam War veteran.

The incident served as a poignant reminder of the bond between veterans and their commitment to serving others, whether away at war or here at home.

To Mr. Martin and all the veterans in our community who perform these unseen acts of kindness every day, thank you for your service.

Stafford VA. A suspect behind a string of residential burglaries in the Staffordboro Commuter Lot area was arrested on Saturday by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office after a homeowner caught the suspect breaking into his home.

On November 9, 2019, at approximately 9:29 p.m., members of the Special Problems Unit responded to reports of a suspect breaking into a residence on the 120 block of Doc Stone Road. Upon arrival, they made contact with one of the homeowners who advised that her husband had apprehended the suspect in the front yard.

The suspect was taken into custody and identified as Danis Antonio Calix-Garcia, 28, of Stafford. Air fresheners were found in the suspect’s pockets. Deputies determined they were stolen from the homeowner’s vehicle.

The homeowners told deputies they were watching a movie when they heard a sound outside near the rear of the residence. The husband went outside to investigate and found some missing items near the garage. He then observed the suspect and told him to stop. When the suspect attempted to flee, the homeowner grabbed him and a struggle ensued. The homeowner held the suspect on the ground until deputies arrived.

Detectives determined the suspect was behind nine other recent burglaries in the area.

The suspect was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on numerous charges including breaking and entering, attempted grand larceny, tampering with a vehicle, petit larceny, and vandalism.

We are proud to announce that Master Detective Benjamin P. Woodson recently received the Crime Scene Investigator of the Year Award from the Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association (VFSAAA). Master Detective Woodson was selected for this award from a group of his peers from throughout the Commonwealth who have excelled in the field of crime scene technology.

Master Detective Woodson has been a dedicated member of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office for over 13 years and has served as the full-time Crime Scene Technician since 2011. In that time, he has completed extensive specialized training, processed over 700 crime scenes, conducted 560 forensic consults, and examined over 450 cell phones. He also helped create the Crime Scene Technician program at the Sheriff’s Office. This program has since been adopted by numerous neighboring jurisdictions.

Even with a full workload, Master Detective Woodson consistently mentors deputies and detectives in his field of expertise and teaches at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. He also devotes countless hours to the community by sharing his passion for forensics at events and for programs such as DARE Day, Junior Deputy Academy, National Night Out, Citizens Police Academy, and the Rappahannock Domestic Violence Council.

Please join Sheriff Decatur and all of us at the Stafford Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Master Detective Woodson on this incredible accomplishment.

Stafford VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a pedestrian fatality that occurred this morning in the northern end of the county.

On November 18, 2019, at approximately 7:35 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a pedestrian struck in the area of Route 1 and Tracey Street. Upon arrival, they learned a man was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street. The victim was in critical condition when deputies arrived. Shortly thereafter, Raymond Smith, 71, of Stafford County was pronounced dead.

Route 1 in the area of Tracey Street was closed for approximately two hours to allow deputies to investigate the incident and clear the roadway.

The incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single vehicle accident that occurred this morning following a reckless driving incident and pursuit on River Road.

On November 20, 2019, at approximately 7:12 a.m., Lt. Diggs observed a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. He conducted a traffic stop in the area of John Lee Pratt Park located at 120 River Road. The lieutenant approached the vehicle and detected the strong odor of marijuana.

Additional units were called to the scene. Before they arrived, the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed, and a pursuit ensued. The lieutenant then observed the suspect vehicle drive off the roadway and flip over. The driver was ejected from the vehicle. Rescue personnel responded and the driver was flown to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life threatening injuries. He was identified as a 34-year-old man from Fredericksburg.

The incident remains under active investigation. Charges are pending.

Stafford VA. Three suspects were apprehended on Thursday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for robbing a man who was attempting to sell them a pair of shoes.

On November 21, 2019, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Deputy Martin responded to a reported robbery in the area of Colonial Forge High School located at 550 Courthouse Road. The victim told deputies he had agreed to meet three male subjects at the school to sell them a pair of shoes.

When the victim arrived and handed the shoes over, the subjects began assaulting him. They knocked him to the ground and kicked him in the head. They also took the shoes off his feet and the watch from his wrist.

The victim observed the subjects flee the scene in a vehicle with both pairs of shoes and the watch. One of the occupants exited the vehicle onto Woodcutters Road.

Deputy Martin located the suspect vehicle traveling on Lightfoot Drive. He conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the two occupants of the vehicle. The driver was identified as a 17-year-old juvenile and the passenger as Georell Hall, 21, of Stafford.

The third suspect was located by Sgt. B.J. Reed walking near a residence. He was identified as John Gonzalez, 20, of Stafford.

Hall and Gonzalez were taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault by mob, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The juvenile was held at the Juvenile Detention Center and petitions were filed.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community that there are two parking spots in front of the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building located at 1225 Courthouse Road that have been designated as safe exchange zones. These provide a safe and well-lit place for the public to exchange goods or conduct child custody exchanges in a law enforcement protected environment.

Stafford VA. An Ohio fugitive was arrested on Thursday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office following a reckless driving incident.

On November 21, 2019, at approximately 9:29 p.m., Deputy Fields observed a vehicle driving erratically on Interstate 95 northbound in the area of Exits 140 and 143. After the vehicle exited the interstate, it turned into the parking lot of the Wawa located at 72 Austin Park Drive.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Fields detected a strong odor of marijuana. He made contact with the driver who was identified as Maleke Davis, 25, of Dumfries, VA. The driver’s pupils were dilated, and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. The deputy then learned that the suspect was wanted on extraditable warrants out of Ohio for grand theft and identity-theft related charges. In addition, a search of the vehicle yielded a substance consistent with marijuana.

The suspect was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. He was charged as a fugitive of justice and received additional charges for possession of marijuana and reckless driving.

The Stafford Sheriff's Office is investigating a vague threatening message sent to several Mountain View High School students on Snapchat. There will be a visible law enforcement presence at the school today to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of our students.

On Sunday November 24, 2019 at approximately 12:03 P.M. deputies responded to a report of a subject passing a counterfeit $100.00 bill at a fast food restaurant on Warrenton Road. The caller advised the subject who passed the fake bill was still in the drive thru and was operating a silver Toyota Camry that was occupied by a total of three people.

Deputy R. K. Pinkard arrived on the scene and observed the suspect vehicle still in the lot. As he approached, he made contact with the male driver and two females who were occupying the Toyota. He obtained their identification and discovered that the occupant in the back seat was wanted by Culpeper County on a shoplifting charge. He subsequently placed her under arrest and secured her in his cruiser.

Deputy Pinkard then advised the driver of the vehicle that there was something wrong with the form of payment he used to purchase his chicken nuggets and asked him where he had gotten the $100.00 bill. He told the deputy he had borrowed it from his uncle.

Once a back-up unit arrived, Deputy Pinkard was able to speak with the employee who had received the counterfeit money. She stated the driver of the vehicle ordered ten pieces of chicken nuggets and a drink. He then handed her a $100.00 bill which she believed to be counterfeit. She then called the Sheriff’s Office.

After speaking with the complainant, Deputy Pinkard returned to the suspect vehicle and had the driver exit. After further discussion, the driver was arrested for DUI. During an inventory search of the vehicle, fifty one more counterfeit $100.00 bills were located all displaying the same serial number. When being questioned, the third occupant of the vehicle admitted that the counterfeit money had been found in a book bag at the Motel Six on Warrenton Road and that she and the driver were aware the bills were fake.

Later on the same day, Stafford Deputies were called to the Motel 6 at approximately 5:27 P.M. for another complaint of counterfeit money. When deputies arrived, they were told by a Chinese Restaurant delivery driver that she had been paid for a delivery with a counterfeit $100.00 bill. The transaction had occurred in a common area and the suspect walked up a set of stairs after being given the food. Using names and information obtained in the earlier case, deputies were able to locate the suspects in one of the rooms. When they knocked on the door and it was opened, Chinese food was observed by the deputies. Numerous people occupied the room and were interviewed by deputies and detectives. It was determined that one of the occupants, Demetrius Higgins was the person who gave the delivery driver the counterfeit bill. He was arrested and found to also be wanted by Culpeper County on a Probation Violation. A subsequent search of the motel room yielded over fifty more counterfeit $100.00 bills.

Arrested were:

Joseph Lamar Tatum of Culpeper VA
Charges: Forging Bank Notes, Possessing Forged Bank Notes, Conspiracy, Obtaining Money by False Pretense, DUI and No Operator’s License

Tia Lesha Thompson of Reva VA
Charges: Possessing Forged Bank Notes, Conspiracy

Denisha Lambert of Culpeper
Charges: Warrant for Shoplifting from Culpeper County

Demetrius Higgins of Culpeper
Charges: Possessing Forged Bank Notes, Forging Bank Notes, Probation Violation from Culpeper County