Update Friday 3 p.m.Â
Virginia State Police is continuing its investigation into yesterdays shooting on Interstate 95 southbound at the 116 mile marker. Senior Trooper Michael H. Hamer remains at Mary Washington Hospital where he is recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg.
The suspect, Herbert J. Wheeler Jr., 32, who was flown to Mary Washington Hospital later succumbed to his injuries during the early morning of Dec. 9, 2011.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., Dec. 8, Virginia State Police were called to the scene of an abandoned vehicle on Interstate 95 southbound at the 120 mile marker in the center median. The 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was abandoned after Wheeler fled on foot into a wooded area after an attempted traffic stop by a special agent with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The agent attempted to stop Wheeler for reckless driving. A search for Wheeler was conducted but he was not located.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a tractor-trailer driver, who had stopped on the right shoulder to inspect a tire on Interstate 95 southbound at the 118 mile marker in Spotsylvania County, reported that a male subject approached him and attempted to gain access to his vehicle. The subject, later identified as Wheeler, fled back into the wooded area.
Trooper Hamer responded to the scene and located Wheeler walking along the right shoulder of the Interstate at the 116 mile marker in Caroline County at 2:49 p.m. After placing Wheeler inside his unmarked patrol vehicle, a violent struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect attempted to take control of the troopers service weapon when the weapon discharged striking the trooper in the leg. As the violent struggle continued inside the troopers vehicle, the trooper returned fire with another weapon. Both were transported to Mary Washington Hospital.
Once the trooper was shot, he exited his vehicle and three good samaritans, one adult male and two adult females, stopped to render aid to the wounded trooper, who was severely bleeding. The good samaritians acted heroically after the shooting took place.
Hamer began employment on October 16, 1996. On April 18, 1997, he graduated from the 95th Basic School. He was assigned to Division 1, Richmond, Area 7, Dinwiddie County. On August 25, 2011, he was transferred to Division 2, Culpeper, Area 5, Spotsylvania County. He currently has 15 years of service with the Department of State Police and served in the United States Marine Corps prior to becoming a State Trooper.
Special Agents with the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Richmond Field Office Shoot Team are continuing their investigation into the trooper-involved shooting.
Deceased Suspect: Herbert J. Wheeler Jr., 32, 100 block of Flintlock Drive Chesterfield, Va.
-Virginia State Police press releaseÂ
Fredericksburg, Va. — Virginia State Police have identified the trooper who was shot on Interstate 95 this afternoon, but have released no details about the shooting itself.
Trooper M.H. Hamer, assigned to patrol Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, was called to mile post 116 near the borders of Spotsylvania and Caroline counties for a report of a man walking on the highway just before 3:30 p.m.Â
Senior Hamer stopped, found the man on the highway and placed him inside his patrol car, said a Virginia State Police spokeswoman. Afterward, a struggle ensued and shots were fired injuring both Hamer and the unidentified man.
Hamer was taken to a Fredericksburg hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening. The suspect in the case also is said to have suffered injuries that did not appear to life threatening.
State police have not said which gun was fired or who shot first.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
