Bystander Fatally Shot in Stafford County During Confrontation Involving Off-Duty Federal Agent

Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the Stratford Place subdivision in South Stafford on the evening of February 28, 2025. A 61-year-old bystander, who was attempting to de-escalate the situation, was shot and killed when a federal law enforcement officer’s gun discharged during an altercation.

According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a reckless driver and disturbance in the area at approximately 6:35 p.m. The incident began when an off-duty federal law enforcement officer confronted a motorcyclist reportedly driving recklessly on an off-road motorcycle. The motorcyclist initially left the scene but later returned with family members. Deputies stopped them in a white Lincoln near the intersection of North Jenny Lynn Road and Cross Cut Lane, where a confrontation ensued, about a mile from a Giant Food store at Town and Country Marketplace on White Oak Road.

Police said that three individuals—identified as Nicolas Vazquez, 20, Angel Vazquez, 21, and Xavier Vazquez, 46—began causing a disturbance with both the deputies and the off-duty agent, who lives in the neighborhood and was out walking his dog. As deputies attempted to control the situation, the encounter turned physical, Stafford County authorities said.

During the altercation, authorities said an unidentified 61-year-old man who lived nearby approached the scene to defuse the conflict. At some point, the federal agent’s firearm discharged, striking the 61-year-old man in the chest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials have not identified the federal agent involved, and it remains unclear whether the agent drew his weapon or if it was discharged unintentionally. The agent has not been charged.

Additionally, a deputy suffered minor injuries and was grazed by the bullet, but no deputies fired their weapons during the incident.

Following an initial investigation, Nicolas, Angel, and Xavier Vazquez were charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, assault by mob, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obstruction. All three were taken into custody at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and are being held without bond.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video evidence of the incident or the motorcyclist’s reckless driving to contact Detective Boyle at 540-658-4400.

The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased resident.”

The investigation remains ongoing.