A traffic stop in Stafford County resulted in the recovery of some stolen items reported missing from a North Stafford neighborhood home.
“A suspect stopped by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for several minor traffic violations yesterday was incarcerated for a prior breaking and entering offense. On August 18th at approximately 2:08 p.m., Deputy S.C. Martin conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Garrisonville Road and Jefferson Davis Highway.
The vehicle had defective equipment and was missing the front license plate. The driver was identified as Gary Laudermilk, 43, of Stafford.
While Deputy Martin was checking the license status of Laudermilk, a resident approached the traffic stop and informed the deputy the vehicle that was stopped was involved in a breaking and entering at his home last week. The victim explained that on August 11th someone entered his home in Foxwood Village and stole numerous watches, a stamp collection and a coin collection.
A neighbor had shown the victim a picture of a car that was in front of his home that day, and it matched the vehicle on the traffic stop. Deputy Martin learned that Laudermilk did not have a valid driver’s license.
A search of the suspect vehicle revealed controlled paraphernalia, a lock picking kit, numerous watches, a coin collection and a stamp collection. Deputy Martin also located the victim’s checkbook in the vehicle.”
According to sheriffs at Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, Laudermilk was charged with no operator’s license, possession of paraphernalia, breaking and entering, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen bank notes. He is now being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Someone left behind their iPhone at a convenience store, and another customer picked it up and claimed it as their own.
That’s when the Stafford sheriff’s office got involved.
More in a press release:
LARCENY
Wawa, 9 South Gateway Drive, 8/18, 1:18 a.m. Deputy Aubrecht responded to the convenience store for a theft of an iPhone. The victim reported he left the phone on the counter after completing his transaction. The clerk had provided the iPhone to another customer that claimed it belonged to a friend. The victim and clerk had attempted to contact the stolen phone and the suspect claimed he would bring it back. When the phone was not returned within 30 minutes, a report was filed with the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy viewed store surveillance video and obtained a suspect description. As the deputy canvassed local hotels, he encountered the suspect and was able to recover the stolen phone. The victim received his property back and declined to prosecute.FRAUD
Plowshare Court, 8/18, 5:13 a.m. Resident reported receiving several calls over the last few months from an unknown number in Texas. The caller claimed there are active warrants on file in Texas and the resident needs to call an 800 number. The resident has blocked the calls and the Stafford Sheriff’s Office has contacted police in El Paso for assistance in the investigation. Residents are reminded to never give out personal information over the telephone.Brandice Street, 8/18, 12:35 p.m. Resident reported that her mail had been opened and a check was missing from the envelope. The incident is under investigation.
HIT AND RUN
600 Block of Warrenton Road, 8/18, 7:12 a.m. Victim reported his vehicle was rear ended while he was stopped in the left turn lane. The suspect was driving a gold sport utility vehicle and fled south on Warrenton Road toward Interstate 95. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Sypolt at 540-658-4400.”
Anyone with information on any of the above events are asked to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400.
Authorities in Stafford County say a man received threatening text messages containing disturbing photos.
More in a press release:
FRAUD
Greenleaf Terrace, 8/13, 11:15 a.m. Resident reported he received threatening text messages that included graphic images of mutilated bodies. The suspect demanded money be sent to a PayPal account. This is a common scam, and fortunately, the resident did not send any money. The case is under investigation.DUI
900 Block of Garrisonville Road, 8/13, 6:56 p.m. Deputy Edwards responded to a hit and run in the area of Garrisonville Road and Center Street. The caller reported while stopped at a red light a blue Hyundai Accent struck her vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle asked if she was hurt and then said to pull into the gas station lot. As the caller pulled into the lot, the suspect fled the scene westbound on Garrisonville Road. Two Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office deputies had witnessed the crash and observed the suspect leave the scene. The deputies then saw the suspect back into some bushes and pull onto a concrete parking block in the 7-Eleven parking lot. The Fauquier County deputies were able to detain the suspect until Deputy Edwards arrived. The suspect was identified as James Wright, 51, of Spotsylvania. Wright had glassy eyes and slurred speech. He was arrested for DUI and a search warrant for blood was executed. Wright was held on an unsecure bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail for DUI second offense and hit and run.LARCENY
Home Depot, 305 Worth Avenue, 8/13, 8:47 a.m. Resident reported catalytic converters were cut from the vehicle he had left parked at the business last week. The suspect also damaged the ignition and windshield of the vehicle. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Flues at 540-658-4400.Anyone with information on any of the above events is asked to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400.
A woman driving under the influence was found having drugs in her possession which she intended on distributing with a child in the car, according to law enforcement officers in Stafford County.
DUI
Wawa, 105 Garrisonville Road, 8/7, 9:56 p.m. Deputy Hurt responded to the convenience store for a report of a male asleep in a vehicle in the parking lot. Deputy Hurt arrived to find Dustin Cornell, 37, of Spotsylvania, asleep in the driver’s seat of the running vehicle with his foot on the brake and the vehicle in reverse. The deputy was able to put the car in park and wake up Cornell. Field sobriety tests were conducted and a search warrant for blood was executed. Cornell was charged with DUI and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,000 secure bond.Kyle Court/Hastings Drive, 8/8, 8:11 p.m. Sgt. Haney and Deputy Aubrecht responded to the area for a possible drunk driver. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Stephanie Hall, 42, of Stafford. Field sobriety tests were conducted and Hall was arrested for DUI. A search warrant for blood was executed. Deputies located suspected controlled substances in the vehicle. Hall was charged with DUI, driving after forfeiture of license, possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. She received an additional charge of child neglect since there was a juvenile in the car. Hall was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
FRAUD
Oak Grove Lane, 8/7, 4:18 p.m. Resident reported her name was used to rent a vehicle through Expedia at the Kansas City International Airport. The incident was also reported to the Kansas City Police Department and is under investigation.Crows Nest Cove, 8/8, 4:43 p.m. Resident reported his credit card company froze his account due to fraudulent activity. He determined there were three unauthorized charges made in Maryland. The incident is under investigation.
LARCENY
Home Depot, 305 Worth Avenue, 8/7, 3:26 p.m. Resident reported while her vehicle was parked in the lot overnight, both tags were stolen. The incident is under investigation.Basalt Drive, 8/8, 2:43 p.m. Resident reported his American flag was stolen from the front porch at 2:08 a.m. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Hutcheson at 540-658-4400.”
Anyone with information on any of the above events is urged to contact Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.
For residents of local areas looking for volunteer opportunities to help out their community, Program Director of Volunteer Prince William, Jan F. Hawkins has announced areas in need of volunteers.
Here is where your help is greatly appreciated, according to Hawkins:
The Community Feeding Taskforce needs volunteers to help in their Manassas food warehouse on weekdays. Must be between ages 18-55 and able to lift up to 40 pounds. This is a wonderful way to fulfill required hours, while at the same time helping vulnerable families get the food they need during COVID-19! Please contact Shelley at 703.369.5292, ext. 2 or email [email protected]Â to learn more.
* Medical Reserve Corps Support your local health department and your community during a public health emergency! Volunteers are needed to support several missions, including public health education and outreach, disease investigation, vaccine clinics, and more! Medical experience is not required; they have roles for everyone! Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, complete minimum training, and pass a state background check to serve. Please fill out an application at vamrc.org. Questions? Please email Amy at [email protected] for more information.
* ACTS needs volunteers to assist staff in opening the ACTS Thrift Store to the public. Volunteers will work in a warehouse setting at the ACTS Thrift Store Donation Center located at 17690 Main Street, Dumfries. Thrift Store Donation Center volunteers primarily sort through donations and prepare them for sale in the Thrift Store. Note: All volunteers must complete and submit the online volunteer application found at actspwc.org prior to volunteering. If you are healthy, between 18 and 55 and able to lift 20 pounds or more, they need your help! Please contact the Thrift Store at 703.221.3298 or email Luke at [email protected] to let them know your availability.
* American Red Cross is in dire need of blood at this time due to the COVID-19 crisis. Manassas Church of the Brethren, 10047 Nokesville Road, Manassas 20110, will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, August 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Red Cross follows all CDC, FDA, and FEMA guidelines and the Blood Drives have been labeled an Essential Activity. Please visit rcblood.org to sign up for a time slot. Questions? Call the church office 703.368.4783 and leave a message; calls will be returned.
* American Red Cross is also in need of volunteers to be Shelter Service Associates in the event of a disaster during COVID-19. Volunteers work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event, completing tasks necessary for shelter operations and providing assistance for disaster clients. Duties include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter. Please email [email protected]Â for more information.
* House of Mercy is preparing kids to go Back to School, and they’re looking for donations of school supplies, as well as new shoes for both kids and adults. Donated items can be dropped off at their offices, 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas 20109, before August 10. Please call 703.659.1636 or visit houseofmercyva.org to learn more.
* Novant Health UVA Health System invites artists and budding artists to submit artwork for an upcoming exhibit at the Prince William Medical Center/Haymarket Medical Center titled “COVID 19: How We Became Stronger Together”. Paintings, photographs, and drawings will all be considered. Artwork can be any favorite subject that inspires you at this difficult time. Artwork should be framed using wire hanger. Artwork accepted until August 15. For more detailed information contact Liz at [email protected] or call 703.369.8173.
* Prince William Food Rescue (PWFR) can still use volunteer Food Rescue Heroes as the program is super busy delivering food to both ACTS and SERVE homebound clients. Home food deliveries are no contact and follow social distancing guidelines. PWFR is an app-based program enabling volunteers to pick up viable, close to expiration food from supermarkets, restaurants, food pantries, etc., and then deliver it to a program that can immediately use the food. More info on PWFR may be found at pwfoodrescue.org. Please contact Shirley at [email protected] or call 703.441.8606 ext. 212 for more information.
* Prince William Solid Waste Division and Keep Prince William Beautiful are joining forces for their Fix-it-Fair on October 17 in conjunction with Prince William Recycles Day. Handy, tinkerer volunteers are needed-if you like to repair small appliances, clocks, jewelry etc. you would help promote reuse practices to reduce waste. Fix-It events provide members of the community the opportunity to bring salvageable items for repair and subsequent reuse. Social distancing will be enforced to maximize the safety of fixers, volunteers and attendees. Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, phone and fix-it specialties.
* The Salvation Army is collecting items for seniors and vulnerable populations. You can help by creating care packages from the security of your own home and safely dropping items at their Prince William location in Woodbridge. Food items such as canned soups/other dry or canned foods are requested. Non-food items such as socks, toiletries, diapers/baby wipes and sanitizing supplies are also needed. Donated items can be dropped off at 1483 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge Suite 102, Woodbridge [Lake Ridge] 22192. Please email Angela at [email protected]Â or call 202.345.2238 to learn more.
* The shelter at SERVE has a need for donations of new pillows to help the 92 residents (adults and children) get a good night’s sleep as they rebuild their lives. Other needs include paper products, toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies and masks. Please contact Julie at [email protected] for more information.
* Serve Our Willing Warriors in Haymarket needs volunteers age 21 and up to directly assist Warrior families during their check in and check out at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Volunteers should be available Wednesday and/or Friday mornings. Just an hour of your time will be a meaningful way to thank our veterans who have given so much for our country! Please contact Sarah at [email protected] for more information
* StreetLight Community Ministries urgently needs donations of nonperishable food for their Food Pantry so they can continue giving aid to our homeless and impoverished neighbors during this pandemic. Donations will be accepted every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.. Please email [email protected]Â to learn more.
* USO Quantico West is recruiting volunteers to help with special events, work the front desk, or simply provide a friendly, listening ear to a service member in need. It’s a wonderful way to help and thank a service member for all they do for our freedom! Please contact Yanci at [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call the wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.
Cases of drugs, fraud, a hit and run, larceny, and threats occurred in Stafford County all on Thursday, August 6, according to a Sheriff’s Office Incident Report.
The details of the events are as follows:
“DRUGS
Sleep Inn, 595 Warrenton Road, 8/6, 7:05 a.m. While patrolling the hotel parking lot, Deputy
Gildea discovered a subject on the ground sleeping between two vehicles. The subject was
identified as Jonathan Morris, 30, of Woodford. Morris had a suspected controlled substance and
paraphernalia in his pockets. Morris was charged with possession of a controlled substance and
possession of controlled paraphernalia and turned over to staff of the Rappahannock Regional Jail.FRAUD
200 Block of Garrisonville Road, 8/6, 4:15 p.m. Resident reported receiving a phone call from
Virginia Power demanding payment or the utility would be turned off in 45 minutes. The resident
determined it was a scam and contacted the Stafford Sheriff’s Office. The incident is under
investigation.HIT AND RUN
Hickory Lane, 8/6, 6:40 p.m. Resident reported her mailbox was struck by a vehicle earlier in the
day. Camera footage revealed an older model, silver Honda Odyssey struck the mailbox and left
the scene. The Odyssey suffered a broken tail light during the incident. Anyone with information
is asked to contact Deputy Vaughn at 540-658-4400.LARCENY
Antietam Loop, 8/6, 9:47 a.m. Resident reported sometime the previous night the driver’s side
mirror of his vehicle was removed. The vehicle had been parked in front of a home along the
street. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy D.J.
Taylor at 540-658-4400.Olympic Drive, 8/6, 12:07 p.m. Resident observed a strange vehicle pull up to the mailbox and
take the outgoing mail. The post office confirmed the vehicle did not belong to the mail carrier.
The incident is under investigation.THREATS
Coal Landing Road, 8/6, 1:33 p.m. Resident reported receiving a phone call from an out-of-state
number, and the caller claimed to be holding her family member hostage. The caller demanded
money or he would harm the family member. The resident recognized the call as a scam and
notified the Stafford Sheriff’s Office. The incident is under investigation.”
Anyone with information on any of the above events is asked to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400.
Governor Ralph Northam announced today, August 7, that there will be a temporary statewide moratorium on eviction proceedings. This decision comes after the 4-month federal eviction moratorium and unemployment benefits expired.
The details of the decision are as follows:
“The moratorium, which will begin on Monday, August 10, and remains in effect through Monday, September 7, halts all eviction proceedings related to failure to pay rent. Governor Northam requested this moratorium in a letter to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons on July 24,” said to Alena Yarmosky, Northam’s Press Secretary. “
“Today’s decision comes at a time when we are still battling this public health crisis and need all Virginians to maintain safe, stable housing. As the ongoing Congressional stalemate leaves hundreds of thousands of Virginians without federal housing protection or unemployment relief, this is a critical step towards keeping families safely in their homes. I am grateful to the Virginia Supreme Court for granting this order, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly this month to develop more permanent legislative protections for Virginia homeowners and tenants,” said Northam.
On June 29, Northam launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which provides an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for Virginia households facing eviction and foreclosure due to COVID-19. Eligibility and application information for the RMRP is available here.
Tenants are encouraged to know their rights and responsibilities and pay their rent on time if they are able. Visit StayHomeVirginia.com for additional information and resources on tenant rights.
Human Rights Student Leadership Council received an award in recognition for its work with 34 students over the summer, in its efforts in promoting diversity in cultures and the importance of human rights.
Here is what was released to us by authorities in a press release:
Prince William County is pleased to announce that the Virginia Association of Counties has recognized it with a “Best Achievement Award for the Human Rights Student Leadership Council.” The Prince William Human Rights Commission launched the council, designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Its purpose is to engage students in community leadership development opportunities, have them participate in dialogues on diversity, and develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultural differences of others. Council participants interact with local, state, and federal human rights professionals in government and the community and students from various cultures and social groups.
“Prince William County’s entry is the type of powerful program that really makes a difference. The program was started to assist high school students better understand local, state, and federal government policies through the lens of human and civil rights,” said Dr. Sheryl Bailey, visiting professor of practice at Virginia Tech and a judge at the award ceremony. “It has created a connection between students and their community and has proven to positively impact their overall success in school, as well as teaching them how to be productive citizens.”
Through the Achievement Awards, VACo recognizes excellence in local government programs. The organization received 76 submissions for the 2020 awards and selected 21 recipients whose entries focused on addressing the issues of inclusion, belonging, and reconciliation.
This is the twenty-first award Prince William County has received in the 18-year history of the program. Visit vaco.org to view all of the 2020 Achievement Award recipients.
Two young bald eagles have returned to the wild after being nursed back to health from an injury that police say must have occurred from them falling out of a tree during a storm.
More in a press release from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
“The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is happy to report two young bald eagles that were rescued earlier this year, have been released back into the wild. On May 19, 2020, Animal Control Sgt. Anthony McCall responded to a residence on Aquia Creek after the homeowner discovered two bald eagles in the yard that could not fly.
With the assistance of the homeowner, Sgt. McCall was able to capture both bald eagles and discovered they were approximately one month old. It is believed the eagles fell from their nest during a storm the night before.
The juvenile eagles were turned over to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, the largest wildlife teaching hospital in the world. The Wildlife Center cared for the two female bald eagles until they were ready to be released into the wild. Earlier this morning the Wildlife Center transported the birds back to the location of their capture on Aquia Creek. With a small group to watch, including Sgt. McCall, the eagles were released and took flight into the wooded area.
Sgt. McCall has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 13 years and this makes 19 bald eagles that he
has rescued, earning him the nickname of “the eagle whisperer.” The Stafford Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Sgt. McCall, the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and the homeowners for their work to ensure these bald eagles could return to the wild.”
