Police said five employees of a Charlottesville-area tow truck firm assaulted two Stafford sheriff’s deputies at a McDonalds over some French fries. Those two deputies were treated at a local hospital for injuries and released.
Today, those five employees are walking free after being released by a county magistrate after they promised to return to Stafford to appear in court.
The sheriff’s office reports:
On March 21st at 6:24 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a fight involving 10 people in the lobby of the McDonald’s at 44 Stanstead Road [off Route 17 in south Stafford]. The investigation revealed Jamie Morris, 48, a tow truck driver from Dyke, was upset over his French fry order. This led to a verbal dispute with store staff. Another customer came to the defense of employees, and the verbal altercation continued in the lobby.
Deputies determined there was no assault, and store management requested Morris and the group of Ace‘s Towing employees with him leave the property. The tow truck group was given ample opportunity to leave, but refused. Management proceeded to tell the group they were trespassing from the property.
One tow truck employee, William Morris, Jr., 36, of Dyke was unfamiliar with trespass laws and refused to leave. Morris, Jr. was subsequently informed he was under arrest for trespass. Instead of complying with the arrest, he attempted to flee on foot. He was tackled approximately 20 yards away and handcuffed.
As he was being brought to a patrol car for transport, an irate mob of tow truck employees began encircling one of the deputies.
The tow truck employees became more agitated and were impeding the investigation. They had been previously told to leave, but continued to shout obscenities and refused to vacate the property.
OC spray was utilized as the rowdy group surrounded the deputy. As one suspect was being detained, Jamie Ragland, 27, of Gordonsville grabbed a deputy around his neck and threw the deputy on the ground.
Consequently, Ragland was tasered and placed in handcuffs. As additional deputies, Fredericksburg Police Officers and Virginia State Police rushed to the aid of the two deputies, three additional suspects were taken into custody.
Jamie Morris was charged with obstruction and trespass. William Morris, Jr. was charged with trespass, obstruction and vandalism. Jamie Ragland was charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, and obstruction. William Morris, Sr., 57 of Dyke was charged with obstruction. Monica Morris, 45, of Gordonsville was charged with obstruction. All five were released by the magistrate.
Two deputies were injured during the incident and required treatment at a local hospital. Please continue to pray for the safety of all law enforcement officers and the speedy recovery of our deputies.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
