Stafford VA. A woman wanted out of Fairfax was arrested last week by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office following an incident involving a disabled vehicle causing a traffic disruption.

On November 27, 2019, at approximately 1:11 a.m., Deputy Martin encountered a vehicle stopped partially in the northbound lanes of the 1700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway creating a traffic hazard. He identified the driver as Joanetta King, 25, of Stafford. King acknowledged she had run off the road, damaging the car, and stopped as a result. Deputy Martin observed King to be unsteady on her feet with slow speech.

A check of King’s information revealed an active Capias warrant in Fairfax. She was subsequently charged with DUI, driving revoked and the Fairfax warrant and incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,000 secured bond.

While deputies were with King at the side of the road, a second vehicle stopped nearby and a passenger exited and began walking toward the scene. Deputies told her to return to her vehicle, but she continued to stand nearby in a lane of travel. Deputy Philippsen and Deputy Connelly then approached the passenger and identified her as Delon Bennett, 26, of Falls Church.

Deputies detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle Bennett had just exited. Marijuana was located in several locations inside the vehicle. Bennett was subsequently released on a summons for possession of marijuana.

Stafford VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident that occurred early on Saturday morning in the area of Sanford Drive.

On November 30, 2019, at approximately 1:51 a.m., the Traffic Safety Unit responded to reports of a single vehicle accident in the area of Sanford Drive and Paul Lane. Upon arrival, they determined a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban struck a tree, killing the driver. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene. He has been identified as Jamison Lane Clark, 18, of Stafford.

The Traffic Safety Unit determined that the vehicle lost control just south of Paul Lane and went sideways—driver’s side first—off the road and into a tree.

The 20-year-old male passenger was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He was listed in stable condition at the hospital later that morning.

The incident remains under active investigation.

Stafford VA. A suspect shot at deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office early on Saturday morning when they attempted to serve a warrant. The suspect was later found deceased in the apartment from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On December 7, 2019, at approximately 12:30 a.m., deputies responded to 2200 Green Tree Road, Apartment 204 for a warrant service. When deputies arrived, the suspect fired several shots through the front door of the residence. Deputies returned fire and then established a perimeter around the residence. Deputies were not injured during this incident.

Crisis negotiators responded to the scene and made contact with the suspect who refused to exit the residence. Deputies continued to conduct negotiations for several hours, but the suspect eventually refused to continue to talk. Deputies made entry into the residence and found the suspect deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The suspect has been identified as Keysean Hodges, 43, of Fredericksburg. He was wanted on a felony warrant for arson. During the barricade situation, additional warrants were obtained for attempted capital murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

We would like to thank the public for their cooperation during the situation. The incident remains under active investigation.

ROAD CLOSURES: We would like to alert the community to the following road closures scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 due to the Frosty 5K in the area of the Embrey Mill neighborhood.

Between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the following road segments will be closed:

• Mine Road south—Between Embrey Mill Road and the entrance to the Rouse Center at 1600 Mine Road.
• Embrey Mill eastbound—Between Coastal Ave. and Mine Road.

Access Points:

• Individuals wishing to access the Rouse Center should do so by utilizing northbound Mine Road from Courthouse Road and turning left into the parking lot of the Rouse Center.
• Individuals wishing to access residences off Embrey Mill Road should utilize westbound Embrey Mill Road. Turning from Embrey Mill Road into the southern portion of the neighborhood (left from westbound Embrey Mill) will only be permitted at the Basswood Drive intersection which will enable motorists to access the rest of the neighborhood.

The closures have been entered in the Waze App, which will assist drivers in navigating the area. We are asking motorists to use caution in the area, plan alternate routes where appropriate, and follow the direction of Sheriff’s Office personnel on scene controlling traffic.

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is searching for a runaway named Sanay Yousefabad. She also goes by the name, “Skyar.” The subject is 5’3”, 140 lbs., and has brown eyes and brown hair. She may be in the Spotsylvania area. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is searching for a 35-year-old missing person named Angela Zipay. She is a white female and is 5’8,” 250 lbs., and has blonde hair and blue eyes. She may be in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, or Stafford. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford VA. A suspect was arrested last week by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for eluding law enforcement following a reckless driving incident.

On December 12, 2019, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Deputy Weatherholtz was traveling on Interstate 95 northbound in the area of Mile Marker 133 when a dark colored sedan approached the rear of his vehicle at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle swerved to avoid striking the unmarked cruiser, and continued traveling well above the posted speed limit.

The deputy observed the vehicle exiting the interstate at Exit 136. He activated his emergency equipment and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Centreport Parkway. The deputy then observed the vehicle veer off the roadway and travel on the shoulder to pass traffic stopped at the red light. The suspect vehicle turned onto Jefferson Davis Highway northbound and continued traveling at a high rate of speed.

Deputy Weatherholtz alerted additional units to the incident over the radio, prompting Deputy Lytle, who was traveling northbound on Jefferson Davis Highway in the area of Potomac Creek Drive, to slow down. Traffic slowed down in response and Deputy Weatherholtz was able to catch up to the suspect vehicle, which then pulled over.

The deputy made contact with the driver who was identified as Nore Catlett, 19, of Fredericksburg. The suspect claimed to be having a medical emergency and was transported to a local hospital where he was released shortly thereafter.

The suspect was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of eluding law enforcement and reckless driving.

They say not all heroes wear capes—and that’s true. There are heroes walking amongst us everywhere—in the grocery store, at our workplaces, and even in a third grade classroom at Conway Elementary School here in Stafford County.

Today, Sheriff Decatur and several members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office got to visit a very special third grader at the school. Sheriff Decatur recognized 8-year-old Emma Meckley for helping save her dad’s life.

Last week, Emma and her dad were driving down the road near the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg when her dad suddenly had a medical emergency and lost control of the car. Emma immediately sprang into action. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and took her dad’s foot off the gas pedal. She then yelled for help out the window and used her dad’s phone to call 9-1-1. While waiting for help to arrive, she checked to make sure her dad’s heart was still beating. Several Good Samaritans came to her aid and her dad survived the incident.

This afternoon, Emma shared an important message with her classmates: always buckle up and have an adult teach you how to call 9-1-1. She credits these two things with helping save her dad’s life.

“Emma is truly a hero,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “Not only did she help save her dad’s life, she also continues to be a leader among her peers. John Quincy Adams said, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’ This is Emma. She is an inspiration not only to her classmates, but also her teachers, the men and women of the SCSO, and the entire community.”

Stafford VA. A suspect was arrested on Sunday by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence after he was found slumped over the wheel on the wrong side of the road.

On December 22, 2019, at approximately 5:18 a.m., Deputy West responded to reports of a vehicle stopped on the wrong side of the road in the area of Northampton Boulevard and Mine Road. A witness also observed the driver slumped over the wheel.

Upon arrival, deputies located the vehicle and observed the driver still slumped over the wheel. They also observed that the vehicle was in drive and the driver’s foot was on the brake. Deputy West and Deputy Ahern attempted yelling and knocking on the windows to wake up the driver, but the driver did not respond.

The vehicle was locked and all the windows were rolled up, so deputies could not shift the vehicle into park. Deputies then observed the driver slightly shift position and his foot fell off the brake, causing the vehicle to begin rolling toward the red light.

Deputy Ahern then broke the passenger window, causing the driver to wake up. Deputies instructed him to put the vehicle in park. He stopped the vehicle and deputies were able to identify him as Favian Beard, 28, of Stafford.

Deputies detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver’s person. They also observed that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and he was unsteady on his feet. Beard told deputies he had been drinking. There was also an open container of alcohol on the passenger seat.

Field sobriety tests were conducted and a breath test was administered. Beard was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail on an unsecured bond on charges of driving under the influence, open container, and a traffic violation.

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing person with dementia named Warren Lovingood. He has been missing since 12/26, sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. He is driving a black four door 2014 Kia Optima with Georgia plate, CGC 6527. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford VA. A suspect who shot at a vehicle on Warrenton Road in Stafford County late on Saturday night has been arrested with the assistance of the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office.

On December 28, 2019, at approximately 11:57 p.m., Deputy McAlister was on patrol in the area of 550 Celebrate Virginia Parkway when he observed a vehicle with several occupants approaching him. A passenger then exited the vehicle and made contact with the deputy.

The subject told the deputy that they were turning onto Celebrate Virginia Parkway from Warrenton Road when a dark colored Chevrolet pickup truck drove alongside them. The driver of the pickup truck pointed a gun at their vehicle and fired a shot. He said the suspect vehicle then continued traveling northbound.

The victims further explained that they first made contact with the driver of the pickup truck at the Wawa on Warrenton Road. The victims said the pickup truck cut them off as they were exiting the parking lot and a brief verbal altercation ensued. The pickup truck then followed them out of the parking lot.

Deputies issued a “Be On the Lookout” notification to law enforcement in the area. Shortly thereafter, deputies with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle traveling on Warrenton Road. The driver was detained and later positively identified by a witness and a victim as the suspect behind the shooting.

Larry Johnson, 29, of Fredericksburg was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of attempted aggravated malicious wounding, shooting from a vehicle to endanger persons, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

The investigation is ongoing. We would like to thank the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.

Stafford VA. Two suspects were arrested on Thursday by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for illegally selling cigarettes.

On January 2, 2020, at approximately 3:50 a.m., deputies responded to the Wawa located at 72 Austin Park Drive after a citizen reported observing suspicious activity. The caller advised that he observed two male subjects going back and forth between their vehicle and the store to purchase large quantities of cigarettes. Each time they’d re-enter the store, they would change into different jackets.

Deputy Philippsen located the suspect vehicle and made contact with the occupants at the Walmart located at 217 Garrisonville Road. The suspects were identified as Denyal Duz, 27, of Alexandria, VA and Ari Botani, 34, of Arlington, VA.

Both suspects were taken into custody. Numerous jackets and stacks of cash, totaling over $13,000.00, were located in the vehicle. In addition, the trunk was filled with approximately 225 cartons of cigarettes.

The suspects were subsequently incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail on charges of felony possession with intent to distribute tax-paid cigarettes and felony conspiracy.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office would like to alert the public to a scam involving individuals who pose as members of law enforcement and threaten arrest if payment is not made using gift cards.

The Sheriff’s Office has recently received multiple reports from residents advising that they received calls from scammers pretending to be deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. In some cases, the Caller ID falsely shows that the call comes from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents have lost thousands of dollars due to these scams.

Detectives would like to remind the public that law enforcement will not request payment to resolve investigations. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office, or any other law enforcement agency, and asking for money, immediately hang up and do not provide any personal information.

In addition, please remember that gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer.

Those who believe they may be a victim of a scam are asked to immediately report their suspicions to the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.

Stafford, VA. A traffic stop for failure to stop at a red light on Thursday led to the arrest of a wanted suspect by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

On January 9, 2020, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Deputy S.C. Martin conducted a traffic stop after observing a gold vehicle fail to stop at a red light at the intersection of Route 1 and Hospital Center Boulevard.

The driver was identified as Edward Gaddies, 68, of Stafford. The deputy determined that Gaddies was driving the vehicle without a license.

In the meantime, Deputy Martin observed the passenger making furtive movements. The passenger then provided his name, date of birth, and social security number to the deputy. Both suspects were subsequently detained.

A search of the vehicle yielded a wallet on the passenger floorboard with a driver’s license for Ricky Johnson, 60, of Fredericksburg. The passenger admitted he had provided a false name and that he was Ricky Johnson. The deputy then learned that Johnson was wanted out of Stafford County for a felony probation violation.

Gaddies was subsequently released on summonses for driving without a license and failure to obey a traffic light. Johnson was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on his outstanding warrant. He also received an additional charge of providing false identification to law enforcement.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to receive reports from residents who have lost thousands of dollars in a phone scam involving Green Dot MoneyPak cards and Vanilla cards.

Here is how the scam works:

The victims are contacted by a caller who claims to be a member of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The caller informs the victim that there is a warrant out for their arrest for missing jury duty and that they can avoid arrest by paying a fine immediately using gift cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak cards, which can be purchased at a local store. The victim is then instructed to provide the card information over the phone and to send the cards to the Stafford County Clerk of Circuit Court.

We are asking the public to be vigilant. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Educate your elderly family members and friends about this scam
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
• Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers or gift card numbers to someone you do not know.
• Remember that law enforcement agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by MoneyPak.
• Report suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office by calling (540) 658-4400.

Stafford, VA. A man was arrested on Monday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office after a verbal dispute over tacos with a Taco Bell employee led the suspect to pull a knife and threaten to assault employees.

On January 13, 2020, at approximately 8:11 p.m., Deputy Bolinsky responded to reports of a disturbance with a weapon at the Taco Bell located at 730 Warrenton Road. The 9-1-1 caller, a Taco Bell employee, reported that a customer pulled a knife on him.

Upon arrival, the deputy located the suspect running through a nearby parking lot. He was identified as Octavious Hodges, 39, of Fredericksburg. Witnesses told deputies that they observed the suspect becoming upset over the type of taco he received and the price of items on the menu. The suspect then argued with employees and subsequently pulled out a knife and threatened them. He lunged at them with the knife twice.

Deputy Myers and his K9 partner, Gunner, responded to the scene and located the knife in a grassy area near Goodwill.

The suspect was taken into custody and incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of attempted malicious wounding, assault, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice.

Partnerships are a critical component of our efforts to keep the community safe.

Thanks to our partnership with the loss prevention office at the Stafford Marketplace Target, earlier this month we were able to locate and arrest a woman wanted out of both Stafford County and Prince William County. She was first observed by a loss prevention officer stealing vacuums at the store. Just days later, that same loss prevention officer observed the woman return to the store and he contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the woman’s vehicle and she was arrested on multiple charges including possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, and driving suspended. She was also served her outstanding warrants.

We were honored to recognize the loss prevention officer, John Dodson, today for his collaboration on this case. We are thankful to Mr. Dodson, Target, and all of our community partners who work with us to ensure that Stafford County remains a safe place to live, work, and conduct business.

Since December 2019, there have been approximately seven reports of thefts of catalytic converters throughout Stafford County. The thefts occurred at all times of the day and night; however, most were between 1:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. It only takes a few minutes for thieves to cut and remove the catalytic converters, which are normally sold to scrap yards for cash. Once removed and after the vehicle is started, it will have a noticeably louder sound.

If you notice any suspicious activity, immediately contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.