The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the arrest of two individuals who have been charged in relationship to the shootings into occupied dwellings in the White Oak area of Stafford County over the last two weeks. Austin Keith Kerr, age 20, of Cherry Laurel Drive, has been charged with 2 Counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Roadway, 2 Counts of Vandalism, 2 Counts of Reckless Handling of a Firearm, 2 Counts of While in a Motor Vehicle Discharge of a Firearm, 2 Counts of Conspire to Maliciously Discharge a Firearm Within a Dwelling While Occupied, 2 Counts of Maliciously Discharging a Firearm Within a Dwelling While Occupied, 2 Counts of Discharge of a Firearm in a Street That Did Not Result in Injury, 1 Count of Grand Larceny, 1 Count of Breaking and Entering and 1 Count of Distribution of Narcotics to a Person Under 18 Years of Age. The charges of Grand Larceny, Breaking and Entering and Distribution are the result of an incident that occurred in Stafford County earlier this year.

Christopher Patrick Kerr, age 18, of Sandy Ridge Road, cousin of Austin Kerr, has been charged with the same counts as Austin with the exception of the Grand Larceny, Breaking and Entering and Distribution of Narcotics charges. However, Christopher Kerr is facing 2 additional Counts of Conspiracy to Shoot from Vehicle and 2 Counts of Conspiracy to Shoot at a Residential Building. Both men are currently incarcerated in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges for the other shootings against both Kerrs will forth coming. A search warrant was executed during the arrests which has resulted in evidence being recovered linking both men to the shootings.

During the week of January 26, 2015 Stafford County Deputies responded to reports of shots fired at multiple residences (6) in the White Oak area of Stafford County. In addition, 2 residents were shot at in King George County, near the same area as the shootings in Stafford County, during the same time period. During the next week, Stafford Deputies responded to additional shootings at dwellings in the same general area. An intense, multiple pronged investigation was initiated complete with dozens of members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office as well as assistance from the King George County Sheriff’s Office.

Austin Kerr and Christopher Kerr came to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office thanks to the solid investigation work of the Stafford County Detectives and corroborative tips from local citizens. Both men were located at a hotel in north Stafford County. Members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Stafford Detectives and the Patrol Division took both men into custody as they were about to leave the hotel, in their vehicle this afternoon, Saturday, February 7, 2015. They were taken into custody without incident.

“Outstanding efforts by professional law enforcement officers coupled with very helpful community assistance led to the arrest of these two dangerous criminals,” States Sheriff Charles Jett. “I know these arrests bring a great sense of relief to the citizens who were affected by the cruel acts of the two arrested individuals. By working together, citizens and law enforcement, criminals such as these will be brought to justice.”

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank with gratitude, the assistance of the King George County Sheriff’s Office. Their support and help is noted and appreciated.