Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

Why did the chickens cross the road? Because they were seized by detectives and Animal Control Officers. An illegal cockfighting ring was uncovered earlier this month resulting in several felony warrants.

On November 7th at approximately 10:00 a.m. members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office took flight to execute a search warrant on a residence on Norman Road [about a mile from Potomac Point Winery]. While this search warrant was related to a previous stolen property report, members of the Special Problems Unit had also received information regarding the same address hosting cockfight events.

During the original search warrant, a large number of chickens were located. Due to this, a plan was hatched to obtain a second search warrant, this one related to the allegations of cockfighting. As a result, exactly 80 Game Fowl Chickens were collected pending a seizure hearing. Additionally, controlled substances, equipment, and weapons directly related to cockfighting were located.

On the morning of November 13th, the seizure hearing was conducted. Animal Control was granted custody of all the chickens. Additionally, the suspect, Sergio Munoz, 47, of Stafford, was taken into custody by Sergeant A.J. McCall shortly following the hearing. Due to the fowl investigation, Munoz was charged with five counts of felony animal fighting. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond. Munoz was not the subject in question for the original search warrant.

All 80 chickens are currently being housed and cared for at the Stafford County Animal Shelter and are scheduled to be seen by a vet. The Stafford County Animal Shelter is currently exploring long-term solutions for their future.

Great work to all Animal Control Officers, Animal Shelter staff, and detectives for going above and beyond to ensure the safe rescue and care of each animal. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be sought.

A booking photo for Munoz is not yet available.

From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

A 27-year-old Woodbridge man who “stalled” his arrest with a bathroom barricade, was enticed out after a dose of pepper spray potpourri. Spoiler alert- you won’t find this scent at Bath & Body Works. Deputies responded to Stafford Market Place for a disturbance with a weapon.

Witnesses reported a black male in all black was throwing a rock in front of the T.J. Maxx and had assaulted a customer. There was also concern the suspect had a firearm in his pocket. Deputies learned the suspect had fled on foot to the nearby Hardee’s on Prosperity Lane and was in a bathroom stall, creating a serious Game of Thrones. Duty called- and the deputies attempted a dialogue to have the suspect exit the stall and surrender. The suspect refused commands and continued to curse at law enforcement officers during this pee-kaboo pandemonium.

A dose of OC spray over the stall door may not have improved the smell of the restroom, but it had the desired effect of forcing the suspect out. He was charged with assault and battery and obstruction and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. The rock used during the incident was recovered from behind the commode. Scentsational job by the deputies to safely end this bathroom barricade.

Press Release:

FOUND PROPERTY:
Sheetz, 1175 Garrisonville Road, 11/4, 7:16 a.m. A customer came in to use the ATM, but got something unexpected in return. They located a fanny pack containing a firearm. Deputy Epps bit the bullet and seized the firearm for safekeeping until the owner could be located.

FRAUD:
Lendall Lane, 11/5, 5:19 p.m. Deputy R.L. Hubbard responded to a fraud. Someone in Florida would be gaining a Ninja mixer after fraudulently using the victim’s information.

LARCENY:
Colonial Forge High School, 550 Courthouse Road, 11/5, 11:00 a.m. Deputy G.M. Lum responded to a larceny report. A student advised his phone and AirPods were stolen the day prior from the boy’s locker room. The investigation is ongoing.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Minuteman Circle, 11/4, 2:32 a.m. Deputy S.A. Edwards responded to a disturbance. The caller advised he was an “angry drunk” and wanted to hurt someone. Deputy Edwards made contact with the caller and observed signs of intoxication. He was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Travis Lane, 11/4, 9:25 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to an unknown problem. The caller advised there was a female sitting in the middle of the road. Deputy Holetzky located the suspect still sitting in the road as she displayed signs of intoxication. The suspect admitted to consuming multiple mixed drinks before arriving at this location. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

VANDALISM:
Whitsons Run, 11/4, 7:45 a.m. Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded to an unexpected paint job. The victim discovered her vehicle was spray painted red.

Update Nov. 02, 9 p.m.:  Sarah and Tony Lopez were among the first to drive by the scene of the accident. Sarah said she and her husband pulled up at the intersection on a motorcycle and ” I immediately saw a motionless body on the ground in the middle of the intersection, a very damaged shopping cart nearby, and broken glass. It was a really dark scene. I could immediately see that his limbs didn’t look uninjured but I had no idea how extensive it was.”

They called 911, and Tony immediately ran over to start rendering aid and CPR to the victim. As he did, the other victim approached and started crying, praying, and “begging for his friend to wake up.” Sarah stayed on the line with 911 while Tony began CPR and helped resuscitate the first victim.

On November 1, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Mine Road and Greenspring Drive for a hit-and-run involving two pedestrians. The accident happened around 10:14 p.m.

A dark 2024 Volkswagen GTI is believed to have struck two pedestrians and then fled on Garrisonville Road. The vehicle likely has extensive front end damage and a broken windshield. Both pedestrians were seriously injured, with one flown from the scene with life-threatening injuries.

Stafford Sheriff’s Office: 

Update: This hit and run occurred at 10:14 p.m. and we ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Sgt. Ron Jones at 540-658-4400. The suspect vehicle is described as a black or blue sedan with extensive front end damage and possibly a broken windshield. The suspect vehicle fled onto Garrisonville Road after striking two pedestrians.

One pedestrian was flown from the scene with life-threatening injuries and the other pedestrian was transported by ambulance with serious injuries.

Traffic Alert: Deputies are on scene of a serious hit and run accident at the intersection of Mine Road and Greenspring Drive. Mine Road will be closed in both directions for an extended time, so please use an alternate route.

From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

ALCOHOL OFFENSE:
AG Wright Middle School, 100 Wood Drive, 10/30, 12:54 p.m. Double, double toil and trouble, Deputy S.C. Hall responded to a student in trouble. It was discovered a student brought in an elixir stronger than witches brew. The alcohol was seized and a criminal complaint for possession of alcohol on school grounds was submitted. Luckily, the student wasn’t ex-spelled.

ASSAULT:
Maple Drive, 10/30, 8:17 p.m. Deputy S. Waheed responded to a monstrous offense. A witness heard a commotion outside, but it was not trick-or-treaters. He would observe a female being assaulted by a male. Contact was made with the victim and it was discovered the suspect was her boo. She was provided resources for Empowerhouse while a warrant for assault and battery was submitted for the suspect.

HIT AND RUN:
Area of Butler Road and Cambridge Street, 10/30, 8:11 a.m. Deputy R.A. Weatherholtz responded to a spooky situation. The victim was traveling in the area when another vehicle merged into them. The suspect vehicle would quickly vanish like a ghost. Area of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive, 10/30, 8:28 a.m. Deputy A.E. Epps responded to a grave problem. The victim was traveling in the area when another vehicle merged into them. The suspect vehicle would then take the Highway to Hell, also known as I-95. This mystery machine was described as a silver Toyota Tacoma.

LARCENY:
Franklin Street, 10/30, 10:37 a.m. Deputy F.C. O’Neill responded to a nightmare on Franklin Street. The victim was squashed to discover his Cash App card was stolen. The unknown boogeyman would then fraudulently use the card at nearby wicked businesses. Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 10/30, 11:58 a.m. We’re sure you’re dead tired reading larcenies at Stafford Market Place, but we’re bringing one more back from the grave. Deputy C.D. Sullivan made contact with staff who stopped a female suspect stealing over $180 worth of items. It was discovered this dead-icated suspect had shoplifted from the business on two other occasions. The suspect, feeling a bit rotten, was charged with three counts of larceny. She was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

DISTURBANCE:
Westminster Lane, 10/29, 6:30 p.m. Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to a disturbance. There was a large group of people involved in a verbal argument. It was discovered a resident yelled at a driver to slow down. In response, the driver got out of his vehicle, started a verbal argument, attempted to instigate a fight, and used abusive language towards another resident. The driver was not only lectured on his driving behavior, but charged with disorderly conduct and using abusive language. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

DUI:
Stefaniga Road, 10/29, 7:08 p.m. Deputy J.W. Ahern responded to an auto accident. While en route, it was advised one of the drivers could be heard by dispatch stating he was going to “get locked up.” Deputy Ahern made contact with all parties involved, including the at fault driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, including the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. He was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content greater than .2. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 secured bond.

LARCENY:
Walmart, 125 Washington Square Plaza, 10/29, 11:38 a.m. Deputy D.R. Ludolph responded to a possible child abduction. The caller advised they feared a male and female were hiding a child in a tote. That was discovered to not be the case, but the tote was in fact filled with unpaid meat. Deputies with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle in their jurisdiction and detained the pair. Deputy Ludolph made contact with the suspect and discovered the stolen Walmart food, as well as, stolen items from Giant, located at 35 Town and Country Drive. The male suspect was also wanted out of Stafford County for larceny. Both were charged with two counts of larceny. The female was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance while the male was additionally served on his outstanding warrant and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Truslow Road, 10/29, 8:22 p.m. Deputy J.A. Martin responded to a disturbance. The caller advised a male was walking in the middle of the street, refusing to move out of the way of vehicles. Deputies made contact with the suspect and discovered he was intoxicated. The male would provide a false identity, which was quickly uncovered. He was charged with public intoxication and providing a false identity to law enforcement. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

WARRANT SERVED:
Amazon, 220 Centreport Parkway, 10/29, 6:35 p.m. Deputy C.M. Sterne responded to an auto accident. While dealing with that, he discovered one of the drivers was wanted out of Texas on a felony offense with full extradition. The suspect was detained and charged with fugitive from justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond pending extradition.

From the Stafford sheriff’s office:

ASSAULT:
Jay’s Sports Bar, 2866 Richmond Highway, 10/27, 2:08 a.m. Deputy R.T. Philippsen responded to an assault. The suspect got a cat-itude with the victim after seeing him with another feline. In response, the suspect brought the claws out and assaulted the victim, breaking his glasses in the process. She was charged with assault and battery, as well as, destruction of property. The suspect was released by the magistrate on pur-sonal recognizance.

DUI:
Area of Richmond Highway and Cranes Corner Road, 10/27, 2:06 a.m. Deputy M.A. Holub was traveling Northbound on Richmond Highway when the Honda next to him drifted towards him, nearly striking him. Fur-tunately, a near cat-astrophe was avoided. Deputy Holub began observing the vehicle as it traveled 11 MPH in a 45 MPH zone and conducted a traffic stop. The driver wasn’t hiss-terical, but advised he was “tired.” Deputy Holub figured the fur real reason for his driving behavior was because of alcohol, considering the driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to litter-ally having “about two beers.” The driver was charged with driving under the influence, the traffic lane violation, and impeding traffic. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Jay’s Sports Bar, 2866 Richmond Highway, 10/27, 2:46 a.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky was on scene for a different less than claw-some incident when he observed a vehicle quickly park. The driver, dressed as a cat’s best friend, a witch, jumped out of the driver’s seat only to pounce into some bushes. It was discovered the driver was marking her territory for she had to go to the bathroom right meow. The witchy driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming alcohol at a party. She was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Forest Lane Road, 10/27, 9:09 p.m. Deputy C.D. Quebedeaux was in the area attempting to cat-ch a suspect who disa-pur-ed during a previous incident. Deputy Quebedeaux would observe the suspect vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and using his cat-like reflexes, conducted a traffic stop. The suspect had signs of intoxication, but advised she was pur-fectly good to drive. After conducting field sobriety tests, deputies did not think that was paw-sible. The suspect was charged with driving under the influence and served on her outstanding warrants. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

LARCENY:
Jin’s Garden Chinese Restaurant, 263 Garrisonville Road, 10/27, 2:49 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to an a-paw-ling crime. Staff advised a male wasn’t there for shrimp tem-pur-a, but instead their tip jar. The cat burglar left in a pickup truck that helped Deputy Holetzky identify the suspect. The game of cat and mouse ended when Deputy Holetzky located the suspect later into his shift. During a search incident to arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of something stronger than catnip. He was charged with larceny and possession of a controlled substance. The suspect would have time for a cat nap considering he was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, 10/28, 1:22 p.m. We’re not kitten around when we tell you there was another larceny report. Staff advised a male ran out of the store faster than a cat after seeing the vacuum with approximately $300 worth of items. The suspect was accompanied by a feline suspect and Deputy D.J. Ferrell is investigating.
7-Eleven, 201 Garrisonville Road, 10/28, 3:54 p.m. Deputy R.W. Stamm responded to a larceny. Staff advised one moew-ment their phone and credit cards were there, the next, they were whiskered away by an unknown male. It was discovered later on the cards were fraudulently used.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Area of Richmond Highway and Washington Drive, 10/27, 9:12 p.m. Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen responded to an intoxicated person call. The caller advised a male was stumbling around near traffic, much like Tom after getting hit over the head with a frying pan by Jerry. Sergeant Jacobeen located the suspect in the middle of the road with signs of intoxication. While the suspect advised he paw-fered to walk home, un-fur-tunately that would not be a safe option. He was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

ASSAULT:
Area of Garrisonville Road and Staffordboro Boulevard, 10/26, 6:38 p.m. Deputy X.D. Bates responded to an assault. It was advised a female was assaulted in a Jeep. When deputies arrived, the suspect was gone. He did not go too far, as he was located at Hardee’s, located at 20 Prosperity Lane. The suspect had signs of intoxication and was discovered to be wanted out of Culpeper County. He was charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, as well as, served on his outstanding charge. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

DUI:
Area of Richmond Highway and Austin Park Drive, 10/25, 12:30 a.m. Deputy C.T. Richardson was traveling in the area when he observed a Corolla struggling to stay in its lane and nearly sideswipe another vehicle. Deputy Richardson conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, no driver’s license, and admitted to consuming “a beer” at home. Despite only having “a beer” the driver was found to be in possession of receipts from two different restaurants earlier in the evening, both where alcoholic beverages were purchased. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, second offense driving without a license, refusal, and the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Garrisonville Road, 10/25, 9:37 p.m. Deputy C.A. Osborne responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a family member drove home in an intoxicated state. Deputy Osborne made contact with the juvenile driver, who had signs of intoxication and advised he consumed cotton candy vodka at a football game. A criminal complaint for driving after illegally consuming alcohol was submitted.

Colonial Avenue, 10/26, 1:13 a.m. Sergeant E.E. West was traveling on Butler Road when she observed a vehicle traveling 55 MPH in a 35 MPH. She conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, admitted to consuming alcohol “but not too much,” and open beers were located inside the driver’s door pocket. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between. 15 and .2, drinking while driving, speeding, and failure to maintain the lane of travel. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Area of Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road, 10/26, 2:56 a.m. Deputy P.J. Leon was traveling on Richmond Highway when he observed a vehicle in the intersection. The vehicle was stopped past the stop bar before accelerating through the red light and began traveling Northbound in the Southbound lanes. For obvious reasons, Deputy Leon conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, a previous DUI in Mississippi, and three bottles of gin within the vehicle. The driver was charged with driving under the influence second offense within five years with a blood alcohol content above .2, drinking while driving, stopping on a highway, failure to obey a traffic light, and failure to drive on the correct side of the road. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

500 block of Cambridge Street, 10/26, 10:56 p.m. Deputy K.P. Hall was traveling in the area when he observed the Jeep in front of him failing to maintain the lane of travel. Deputy Hall conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming “three glasses of wine” at a Halloween party. The driver would be allowed to trick-or-treat at Rappahannock Regional Jail where she was charged with driving under the influence and the traffic lane violation. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond.

FRAUD:
Lowe’s, 1330 Stafford Market Place, 10/25, 7:16 p.m. Deputy R.A. Kehoe responded to a possible fraud. Staff noticed a female attempting to purchase a large amount of gift cards while on the phone. It was discovered the person on the other end of the phone told the victim there was an issue with her bank and she needed to transfer funds into gift cards. Deputy Kehoe informed the victim of the scam and staff helped refund some of the gift cards.

Knollside Court, 10/26, 1:50 p.m. Deputy A.J. Layug responded to a fraud. The victim advised she received a call from someone posing as a Captain with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The Conning Captain advised the victim missed jury duty and could either be arrested for ten days or pay a fee using Zelle.

LARCENY:
Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, 10/25, 9:10 a.m. Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded to a larceny. Just like how the Washington Commanders stole a win yesterday, staff advised a male stole from the business. The male, sporting a Commanders hoodie, was identified and a warrant for shoplifting was obtained.

Kohl’s, 1220 Stafford Market Place, 10/26, 2:24 p.m. Deputy A.E. Epps, Deputy C.M. Ramirez and Deputy S.M. Craig responded to a larceny in progress. Staff advised three suspects were actively concealing items. The three were stopped and detained after they left the business. The three juveniles were discovered to be in possession of nearly $900 worth of stolen goods. All three were issued a criminal complaint for shoplifting.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Denali Drive, 10/26, 2:45 a.m. Shiver me timbers! Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a pirate who hit land ho at the wrong residence. The caller advised an unknown intoxicated female, dressed as a pirate, was refusing to leave their yard. Deputy Bierfeldt made contact with the scallywag, who was stumbling around and not because of her peg leg. She was charged with public intoxication and set sail to Rappahannock Regional Jail where she was held until sober.

7-Eleven, 3623 Richmond Highway, 10/26, 11:34 p.m. Deputy R. Tully responded to a disturbance. It was advised a male was drinking outside the business, yelling at females, and refusing to leave. When Deputy Tully arrived, it was clear the suspect wanted nothing to do with him, for he attempted to flee the scene, even after being directed he was not free to go. Due to the obvious signs of intoxication, Deputy Tully attempted to detain the suspect. The suspect would resist, but eventually was taken into custody. During his one-way trip to Rappahannock Regional Jail, the suspect would make threats towards Deputy Tully. The suspect was charged with obstruction of justice by force, obstruction of justice by threats, and public intoxication. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond.

Stafford County’s Sheriffs will host Coffee with a Cop on October 30 at The Grounds Coffeehouse from 9 – 11 a.m.

The Coffee with a Cop program is a free, public event that allows community members to ask questions or have casual conversations with deputies. Spokesperson Ryan Wilbur said, “The goal has been and will always be to build a meaningful relationship with deputies and community members.”

The program provides a neutral space for the community to interact with law enforcement outside of active incidents and helps build positive connections. All deputies are welcome to attend, with Crime Prevention officers often present, but others, like School Resource Officers and K-9 deputies, participate when available.

The department typically holds the event once a month, depending on other scheduled activities. Common concerns raised during the events include traffic and roadway safety, which are passed on to the Traffic Safety Unit for investigation. The events are also opportunities to ask questions about jobs and the hiring process, or learn more about recent community incidents.

Stafford’s Coffee with a Cop program began in October 2017 as part of National Coffee with a Cop Day. Initially held once a year, the program was expanded to monthly events about three years ago when Deputy F.C. Shannon Jr. took charge. Locations are chosen randomly with the permission of local businesses, and the department tries to offer events in all areas of the county.

Wilbur said children seem to have the most fun at the events and enjoy learning about what deputies do. He added some community members just visit for the chance to chat, “almost like old friends meeting up.”

The Grounds Coffeehouse is located at 50 North Stafford Complex Center.