http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/rss News articles published on staffordsheriff.com using RSS 2.0 Wed, 22 May 2013 05:44:29 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=472 NEWS RELEASE HEADER Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013 REMINDER: VDOT TO HOLD "PARDON OUR DUST" MEETING ON THURSDAY, MAY 23 Public is invited to learn more about Route 17 widening project in Stafford County FREDERICKSBURG—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites the public to attend a "Pardon Our Dust" meeting on Thursday, May 23 to learn more about upcoming construction plans to widen Route 17 in Stafford County. "Pardon Our Dust" Meeting Thursday, May 23 5-7 p.m. University of Mary Washington-Stafford Campus North Building 125 University Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA 22406 VDOT staff will be available continuously from 5-7 p.m. at the University of Mary Washington-Stafford Campus, North Building, to share construction plans and maps, provide information materials, and answer questions. A brief presentation on the project will be delivered at 6 p.m. Construction to widen a 2-mile segment of Route 17 will begin in mid-June. Route 17 will be widened from 4 to 6 lanes between McLane Drive and Stafford Lakes Parkway. For anyone unable to attend the meeting, all materials will be posted to the project website on Thursday, May 23: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/fredericksburg/route_17_widening,_stafford_county.asp Department News Tue, 21 May 2013 18:36:03 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=472 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=471 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013 COMMUTER PARKING EXPANSION BEGINS IN STAFFORD Construction to build an additional 1,000 parking spaces along Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) corridor begins in Stafford County FREDERICKSBURG – Construction work began this week to add nearly 1,000 new commuter parking spaces to the Staffordboro Boulevard Park & Ride lot, which will double the capacity of this commuter facility in the Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) corridor. Construction of the $12.9 million improvement project is scheduled to take 16 months, and will open to users in October 2014. "We need these additional spaces – we needed them years ago – and I am pleased that we can now finally move forward on delivering this important infrastructure asset to the people of this region," said Cord Sterling, Commonwealth Transportation Board member, Fredericksburg District. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked with Fredericksburg area commuters to design this facility to promote safe and orderly traffic flow. Hundreds of motorists use the Staffordboro Park & Ride lot to meet carpools, vanpools, and participate in a form of informal carpooling, slugging. The expanded commuter lot will include many commuter suggestions, including: o A consolidated, central slug pickup and dropoff area o A bus pickup and dropoff bay that can accommodate 4 passenger buses o An extended sidewalk along Staffordboro Boulevard o Left and right turn lanes into a new lot entrance on Staffordboro Boulevard o A roundabout that connects the commuter lot to Doc Stone Road, Juggins Road and Moncure Lane, improving access management to the site. Improvements to the existing Staffordboro Park & Ride lot are also planned. Shortly before the project is complete, the existing commuter parking lot will be paved, and new space markings will be painted. The refreshed lines will clearly define traffic flow patterns in the lot. A $7.8 million contract for construction was awarded to Sargent Corporation of Ashland, Va. More commuter parking is on the way for the Fredericksburg region. VDOT will build an additional 500 commuter parking spaces on Route 630 (Courthouse Road) in Stafford County when the I-95 interchange is rebuilt. Another 500 spaces will be built on Route 3 in Spotsylvania, and 1,000 parking spaces at a new Virginia Railway Express commuter lot in Spotsylvania. Department News Tue, 21 May 2013 16:40:36 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=471 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=470 RELEASE: IMMEDIATE May 15, 2013 CONTACT: Cord Sterling HIGHWAY, BRIDGE AND TRANSIT FUNDING PROPOSED FOR FREDERICKSBURG DISTRICT State Transportation Board Member Announces Regional Projects in Draft Transportation Budget Unveiled Wednesday FREDERICKSBURG – Commonwealth Transportation Board Member Cord A. Sterling announced nearly $448 million in transportation projects are funded in the 14-county Fredericksburg District over the next six years, included in the working draft of the Six-Year Improvement Program for fiscal years 2014-2019. This program represents an additional $268 million for area roads than the existing Six-Year Improvement Program, resulting from the transportation plan proposed by Governor Bob McDonnell and passed by the Virginia General Assembly under the leadership of Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell. Virginia's draft Six-Year Improvement Program, which funds highway, bridge, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects, was released to the public on Wednesday. It is posted online at www.virginiaDOT.org. Commonwealth Transportation Board members will seek public input and make appropriate changes before voting on the final Six-Year Improvement Program in June. The new program will go into effect on July 1, 2013. "Thanks to the leadership of Governor McDonnell, the future of transportation in the Fredericksburg region means less congestion, smoother roads with fewer potholes, and new highway capacity and bridges to deliver people where they need to go," said Commonwealth Transportation Board member Cord Sterling. "After years of falling ratings for economic development because of our failing transportation network, businesses can confidently invest in Virginia, knowing this long-term revenue stream will keep people and goods moving for a generation," Sterling said. "I am also grateful to House Speaker Bill Howell, who led the Virginia General Assembly to pass a funding package for transportation, a legislative achievement unseen in nearly three decades," Sterling said. "Criticism is easy but leadership is hard, and Speaker Howell understood that improving and maintaining the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure was essential to job creation, and he convinced his colleagues that this was the year for action. Due to his work, and support from area lawmakers like Delegate Mark Dudenhefer and Delegate Bobby Orrock, every motorist in Virginia will see a direct improvement in their daily travel." Projects are organized in the program according to district boundaries. The Fredericksburg District begins with Spotsylvania and Stafford in the west, and stretches east along the entire Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Fredericksburg District Highlights: Bridges $28.7 million to replace or rehabilitate structurally deficient bridges, including: o Route 633 over South River in Caroline County, a bridge that is currently closed due to deterioration o Route 1 over Rappahannock Canal in Fredericksburg o Route 1 over Potomac Run in Stafford County o Route 662 over Fox Creek in Gloucester County o Route 691 over Piscataway Creek in Essex County Paving An estimated $45-55 million a year is expected from combined construction and maintenance funds for interstate, primary, and secondary paving over the next six fiscal years. In addition, $20.5 million is targeted for Interstate 95 in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties in the FY2014-2019 SYIP. Among the pavement improvements that will be seen as soon as 2013: o Route 1 in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties o Route 3 in Stafford, King George, and Westmoreland counties o Route 3 in Mathews and Gloucester counties Route 17 in Essex County o Route 33 in Middlesex County o Route 198 in Gloucester and Mathews counties o Route 208 in Spotsylvania County o Route 360 in Essex, Northumberland, and Richmond counties Numerous secondary and subdivision streets, in all 14 counties Essential New Construction Projects: $184 million to reconstruct the Interstate 95 interchange at Route 630 (Courthouse Road) in Stafford County This project is fully funded through construction. This modified interchange is essential to accommodating Stafford's projected growth and economic development. This project includes the addition of 500 commuter parking spaces on the I-95 corridor. $55 million to fully fund preliminary engineering work and right-of-way on the Rappahannock River Crossing improvements on I-95 between Route 17 in Stafford and Route 3 in Fredericksburg. This funding advances preliminary engineering and the right-of-way phase on the Rappahannock River Crossing, which will move the region closer to building new capacity over the Rappahannock River between Stafford and Fredericksburg through collector-distributor lanes. These lanes will reduce congestion in the general lanes of I-95, and improve the ability of freight traffic to travel through the Fredericksburg area along Route 17. $2.2 million to advance the study and design work for the addition of a fourth travel lane on I-95 between Garrisonville Road and Centreport Parkway in Stafford, as well as shoulder widening. This project will alleviate congestion on I-95 in the Fredericksburg area, providing additional lane capacity to move traffic through the region. $9.2 million to reconstruct a segment of Route 17 in Essex County This project, which is fully funded through construction, will reconstruct a 0.19-mile section of Route 17 in Essex near June Parker Marina to alleviate flooding on this critical hurricane evacuation route. This project will be advertised for construction in September. $1 million to build turn lanes at Route 360 and Route 698 (Academic Lane) in Northumberland County This project will add left and right turn lanes on Route 360 in Northumberland County at Academic Lane, which is an intersection that serves multiple public schools. The addition of turn lanes would reduce congestion and improve safety, as multiple crashes have occurred recently at the site, resulting in injuries. $4.2 million to build turn lanes on Route 206 in King George County This project will construct turn lanes on Route 206 at Owens Drive, another critical safety and capacity improvement on a primary road that serves local and commuter traffic traveling to the Naval Support Facility at Dahlgren. This project will be advertised for construction in September. Previously funded improvements already underway, that are continued: Falmouth Intersection Improvement Project in Stafford County This project will reduce the average wait time for drivers at the intersection of Route 1, Route 17, and Route 218 (Butler Road) in Stafford County. The intersection is being widened to make room for construction of new turn lanes and through lanes. Utilities are being moved this summer and fall, and the project will be advertised for construction in November. Route 17 Widening in Stafford County Route 17 in Stafford County will be widened from four to six lanes west of Interstate 95 from McLane Drive to 0.2 miles north of Stafford Lakes Parkway. Construction work will begin in June, and will continue through 2016. Fall Hill Avenue Bridge Replacement and Widening in Fredericksburg This $44 million design-build project will replace the Interstate 95 overpass on Fall Hill Avenue. The new overpass will have four lanes and a shared use path/pedestrian facility along one side. Fall Hill Avenue will be widened to four lanes between the interstate and an extended Mary Washington Boulevard, which will intersect in a new roundabout. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued for this project in February, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in July. Staffordboro Boulevard Commuter Parking Lot Expansion in Stafford County Construction begins in May to add 1,000 new parking spaces in North Stafford on the Route 610 corridor. The new lot will add dedicated carpool and bus parking, with slugging pickup and dropoff areas. Public hearings on the draft Six-Year Improvement Program for FY 2014-2019 are being held statewide in May and June. For the Fredericksburg District, a hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28 in the VDOT Central Office Auditorium, 1201 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219. Comments may also be submitted by mail or e-mail: Public Information Office Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102 Richmond, VA 23219 drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov Breaking News Wed, 15 May 2013 17:01:53 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=470 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=469 Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office will be hosting an award ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, 2012 to honor law enforcement personnel who have provided exemplary service to the community. Sheriff Charles Jett will present honorees with awards for their actions and performance. Staff from the Sheriff's Office along with their families, Stafford County Board of Supervisors Members, retired personnel, local government officials and judiciary and other special guests have been invited. Deputies and other personnel from the Sheriff's Office and nomination committee members nominated individuals with the final selection made by Sheriff Charles Jett. Nominations are evaluated on the following criteria: bravery and heroism: exemplary performance which directly resulted in the solution of a major crime or crimes, or apprehension of a particularly dangerous criminal; and exceptional service. "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect the citizens of Stafford," said Sheriff Jett. "We want to formally acknowledge their extraordinary efforts and show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication." The ceremony will take place at 6:30 in the auditorium at Stafford Senior High School, 33 Stafford Lane, Falmouth. Members of the media and photographers are cordially invited. Press kits will be available after the ceremony. If able to attend please contact Bill Kennedy, Public Information Officer, at 540-658-4468 or e-mail him at wkennedy@staffordcountyva.gov Department News Tue, 14 May 2013 18:13:21 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=469 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=467 MAN CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE MURDER Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting the arrest of Arthur Gonzales, age 42, of 59 Alderwood Drive, Stafford. Mr. Gonzales has been charged with 1 Count of 2nd Degree Murder and 1 Count of the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Mr. Gonzales turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office this evening and is currently incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. On Friday, April 19, 2013 multiple units of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded to 59 Alderwood Drive for a report of a domestic call involving a shooting. Arthur Gonzales told 9-1-1 operators that he had shot his estranged wife, Julie Serna Gonzalez, after she had attacked him with a knife during an argument at the residence and she needed medical assistance. When deputies responded on scene they found Julie Serna Gonzalez suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. Stafford County Detectives have been actively investigating this incident and the results of that investigation were presented to a Special Stafford County Grand Jury on Friday, May 10, 2013. The Grand Jury issued two indictments against Arthur Gonzales and Mr. Gonzales turned himself in to detectives at the Sheriff's Office this evening. No additional information will be made available at this time. ######################## Incident News Sat, 11 May 2013 02:09:23 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=467 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=466 Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office announces the route for the Law Enforcement United Bike Ride that is coming through Stafford County on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The Law Enforcement United Bike Ride will be entering Stafford County at the Falmouth Route 1 Bridge, approximately 3:15 pm, Saturday, May 11 and will stop at the Public Safety Center, Humphrey Building at approximately 4:00 pm for a brief stop. From there the Bike Ride will continue on Route 630 Courthouse Road to Austin Ridge Drive and Mine Road. The bike riders will turn from Mine Road onto Greenspring Drive and then to the hotel on Salisbury Drive. The Bike Ride will leave the hotel between 8:30 am and 9:00 am on Sunday, May 12 and travel up Route 1, North to the Prince William County Line. Motorists are advised of the temporary rolling closings of Route 1, North as the Law Enforcement Tour Bike Ride travels through Stafford County. As soon as the riders clear a section of Route 1, that section of the road will be opened to motor vehicle traffic. Department News Fri, 10 May 2013 17:04:10 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=466 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=465 Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting the arrest of Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, age 54 of 441 Marlborough Point Road, Stafford. Mohanty has been charged with 72 Counts of Felony Distribution of a Schedule II Narcotic, 22 Counts of Felony Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (involving insurance fraud), and 1 Count of Involuntary Manslaughter. Dr. Mohanty is currently incarcerated in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. A Stafford County Grand Jury handed down the 95 direct indictments against Dr. Mohanty on Monday, May 6, 2013. Dr. Mohanty's indictments and arrest were the results of an ongoing criminal investigation focusing on the illicit distribution of prescription pain narcotics in the Stafford County region to include surrounding jurisdictions. The Mohanty investigation was initiated by Detectives from the Stafford Sheriff's Special Investigations Unit once it became apparent that substantial quantities of prescription pain narcotics were being dispensed by Mohanty without appropriate medical oversight. The investigation revealed that a number of Mohanty's patients either personally abused the prescribed narcotics or re-distributed them for illicit money gain. The Involuntary Manslaughter indictment stems from an overdose death directly related to Mohanty's practice of over prescribing pain narcotics. Dr. Mohanty was arrested on Courthouse Road in Stafford County this morning. This investigation has probed the totality of the prescribing practices used by Dr. Mohanty and is ongoing. No additional information will be provided at this time. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office acknowledges with appreciation the assistance of the FBI and the DEA during this investigation. Incident News Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:38 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=465 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=464 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2013 EXTRA PATROLS ON THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting extra patrols on the road this weekend for Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. The Stafford County Sheriffs' Office invites everyone to enjoy the celebrations associated with Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby but always remember to drink responsibly and drive sober. Remember….Over the Limit….Under Arrest Department News Fri, 03 May 2013 14:12:51 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=464 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=463 River Road Has Reopened. River Road in Stafford County has been reopened to through traffic. It was closed earlier so that a contractor could safely remove a tree that fell as a result of the rain storm that occurred late Friday, April 19. The tree is on County property at St. Clair Brooks Park and was being held in place by other trees. It was removed so that it does not pose a danger to motorists or visitors to the area. Brooks Park, the Historic Port of Falmouth, Pratt Park and the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail are all open as well. Incident News Thu, 02 May 2013 19:33:54 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=463 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=462 River Road to Close Thursday for Tree Removal Traffic Alert Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:34:02 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=462 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=461 News Release April 26, 2013 CAISSON ROAD CLOSED IN STAFFORD COUNTY Motorists are encouraged to take most convenient alternate route FREDERICKSBURG – Route 603 (Caisson Road) is closed in Stafford County between Route 3 and John A. White Lane due to a train derailment. Motorists are encouraged to use the most convenient alternate route while the incident scene is cleared. Motorists can find real-time information about work zones, traffic incidents and congestion on VDOT's 24-hour travel information website, www.511Virginia.org. 511Virginia is also available by calling 511 from any telephone in Virginia. (END) Incident News Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:33:50 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=461 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=460 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2013 RELEASE: IMMEDIATE April 22, 2013 CONTACT: Kelly Hannon 540-374-3344 (office) 540-656-0321 (cell) Kelly.Hannon@VDOT.Virginia.Gov Tina Bundy 540-899-4560 (office) 540-907-8325 (cell) Tina.Bundy@VDOT.Virginia.Gov LANE CLOSURE AT FALMOUTH INTERSECTION TOMORROW Right lane of southbound Route 1 will be closed in Stafford County near Route 17 Business, Route 218 in Falmouth FREDERICKSBURG – Route 1 southbound will be reduced to one lane in Stafford County on Tuesday, April 23 for utility relocation work. The lane closure will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Route 1 southbound between Truslow Road and Route 17 Business/Route 218. Utilities are being moved underground at the intersection before the Falmouth Intersection Improvement Project is advertised for construction in November 2013. In the event of heavy congestion or an incident on Interstate 95, the work zone can be cleared within 15 minutes so Route 1 may serve as an alternate route. Click here for more information on the Falmouth Intersection Improvement Project. Real-time listings of work zones and road conditions in Virginia are available on VDOT's 24-hour traffic information website, www.511Virginia.org. Motorists can also access 511Virginia by calling 511 from any telephone in Virginia. Department News Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:58:22 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=460 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=459 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2013 DOMESTIC SHOOTING REPORTED Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting a domestic related shooting at 59 Alderwood Drive in Stafford County. The incident occurred on Friday, April 19, 2013. At approximately 2:42 pm, Friday, April 19, 2013, multiple units from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded to 59 Alderwood Drive in Stafford County for a report of a domestic call involving a shooting. The shooting was between the husband and his estranged wife. When deputies arrived on scene they found a female victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The female was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. The body of the female has been taken to the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond for the official determination of the cause of death. No charges have been filed at this point but Stafford Detectives are actively investigating the incident. Due to the ongoing investigation no additional information will be provided. Incident News Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:13:46 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=459 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=458 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2013 JAIL INMATES FACING CHARGES Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting that numerous inmates at the Rappahannock Regional Jail are facing several charges as a result of two separate incidents that occurred on Thursday, March 28, 2013 and Saturday, March 30, 2013. Roberto Roque, age 27 of Stafford County, Shawn Gatewood, age 28 of Charlottesville, Va., Warren Williams, age 30 of Midland, Va., Lorenzo Wheeler, age 23 of Crewe, Va., Jaquan Nettingham, age 20 of Stafford, Va., Justin Carey, age 24 of Oceanside, California, William Grimes, age 20 of Fredericksburg, Va., Colton Bragg, age 19 of Stafford, Va. and George Jackson age 23 of Fredericksburg, Va. have all been charged with Gang Participation, Conspiracy to Entice a Riot and Rioting. Gatewood, Williams, Grimes and Bragg have also been charged with Assault and Battery on a Correctional Officer. The charges are the result of two incidents involving these inmates. In both incidents, Correctional Officers were attempting to do their daily check of these inmates' cells. As the cell checks began it became clear that the suspects charged in these incidents had conspired to prevent the Correctional Officers from completing their task. As a result of the inmates refusing to comply with institution guidelines for the inspection of their cells, the jail's Special Response Team was called in to extract the inmates from their cells. The inmates made a concerted effort to resist the extractions from the cell by creating shields with their mattresses, wrapping their bodies with towels and covering their faces with shirts. Inmates Gatewood, Williams, Grimes and Bragg actively fought the Officers during the extraction process. During both incidents the inmates that have been charged continued to yell at the Officers and other inmates in an attempt to incite the other inmates. It is important to note that at no time was any inmate not under complete control of the Correctional Officers. While an inmate was being extracted from their cell all the other inmates were still confined to their cells. During the subsequent investigation of these two incidents it was clear that the men charged are members of a gang called the Bloodline Imperial Bloods and these gang members conspired together to create the two events. Incident News Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:05:24 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=458 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=457 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2013 SECOND RABID CAT REPORTED Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting that a second rabid cat has been confirmed in the North Stafford area of Stafford County. On Wednesday, April 3, 2013 a citizen contacted the Stafford County Sheriff's Animal Control Office about a sick or injured cat that was on her porch on Bruce Street in the Stowe of Amyclae subdivision in North Stafford. The cat was picked up by an Animal Control Officer and taken to an area veterinarian's office. While placing the cat in its carrier to go to the Animal Shelter the Animal Control Officer was scratched. As the Health Department was notified the cat was quarantined at the Animal Shelter. The cat was euthanized in the following days due to its deteriorating condition. The cat was then sent to the state lab for rabies testing. The Animal Control Office received word today that the cat tested positive for rabies. This is the second report of a rabid cat in Stafford County in the last two weeks. In the last incident reported on March 24, 2013, a group of feral cats was identified with one of the cats being found to have rabies. All of those cats in the feral group have been captured. Citizens are reminded to not approach or try to capture stray or wild animals. This message should be shared with children especially with the weather turning warmer and more children outside playing. Animal owners should always maintain the appropriate vaccinations for their animals and, if possible, keep animals confined to the premises to avoid the threat of rabies. Incident News Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:25:54 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=457 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=456 The Stafford County Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Center is holding an Open House. Department News Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:04:08 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=456 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=455 TRAFFIC ALERT ONE HOUR FULL CLOSURE AND DETOUR OF I-95 SOUTH NEAR TELEGRAPH ROAD BRIDGE Closure near mile marker 147 in Quantico Starting on Friday night, April 5, the Virginia Department of Transportation will close I-95 south at mile marker 147 near Telegraph Road Bridge in Quantico for approximately one hour between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., weather permitting. This closure will allow crews to safely remove steel girders from the Telegraph Road bridge as part of the 95 Express Lanes Project bridge demolition. Prior to the full closure, one lane of I-95 south will close by 9 p.m., leading to a second lane closure by 11:30 p.m. During the one hour closure, traffic will be detoured to U.S Route 1 south by exiting at Exit 148, Russell Road, to U.S. Route 1 south, to Garrisonville Road (Route 610) ,and back to I-95 south. Motorists can expect additional travel times of up to 25 minutes on both I-95 south and U.S. Route 1 when approaching this closure and detour. Motorists are encouraged to avoid this area during the overnight hours, as multiple lane closures will remain in place until all lanes are reopened by 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Signs and message boards will be posted along the corridor to inform motorists of construction activities. Police will be onsite for motorists safety. Traffic signal timing along U.S. Route 1 will be adjusted to assist with the detour. Traffic Alert Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:08:09 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=455 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=454 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2013 RABID CAT REPORTED Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is reporting that a cat with rabies has been confirmed in the North Stafford area of Stafford County. On Sunday, March 24, 2013 a citizen contacted the Stafford County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Office and informed the office that she and a friend had been scratched by a stray cat that they were trying to capture. This incident occurred in the area of the 100 block of Eustace Road and Northampton Blvd. The cat was picked up by an Animal Control Officer and held at the Stafford Animal Shelter for a 10 day rabies observation confinement as required by sate law. After several days at the shelter the health department was notified that the cat was exhibiting symptoms of an unknown illness which were getting more significant. Due to the deteriorating condition of the cat the animal was euthanized by shelter staff and sent to the state lab for rabies testing which resulted in a positive finding for rabies. The women who found the rabid cat advise that they feed several other cats in the area where the rabid cat was found. Animal Control Officers will be attempting the trap the 6 stray cats that have been seen in the same area due to the possible exposure of these cats to the rabid cat and the need to prevent the further spread of the rabies virus. Animal Control Officers will be targeting the 6 specific stray cats but citizens need to be aware that if other cats are captured in the traps they will be taken to the animal shelter. Citizens are reminded to not approach or try to catch stray or wild animals. This message should be shared with children especially during this spring break week from school. Animal owners should always maintain the appropriate vaccinations for their animals and, if possible, keep animals confined to the premises to avoid the threat of rabies. Breaking News Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:08:23 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=454 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=453 Right lane of Interstate 95SB - 147 will be closed on April 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Traffic Alert Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:46:43 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=453 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=452 NEWS RELEASE March 29, 2013 TWO CHARGED WITH MURDER Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of two suspects in the murder of the individual whose remains were found on the property of 881 Belle Plains Road in Stafford County on Thursday. March 21, 2013. The Sheriff's Office has identified the human remains as Jason Plaster, who was a resident of Stafford County when he was reported missing by family members in July of 2007. Mr. Plaster was 31 years old when he was reported missing. Despite an exhaustive effort by the Stafford County Sheriff's Office in the ensuing years, Mr. Plaster was never located. The two suspects in this incident are William Joseph Hughes, age 44, of 39 Mickelson Lane, Stafford and Stuart Lee Sullivan, age 49, of 1 North Jenny Lane, Fredericksburg. Both men have been charged with 1 Count of First Degree Murder and 1 Count of the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. They are being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. William Hughes was arrested as his place of employment, Scooter's Works, 207 Cambridge Street in Stafford at 7:00 pm tonight. Stuart Sullivan was arrested at the Stafford County Sheriff's shortly after 6:00 pm tonight. Stafford Detectives, through their investigation, have been able to determine that William Hughes and Stuart Sullivan were involved in the homicide of Mr. Plaster. The preliminary investigation has also indicated that the victim died of gun shot wounds. Additional charges are pending in this case. Due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of this case no additional information will be released at this time. It is anticipated that additional information will be released in the coming week. Incident News Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:36:31 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=452 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=451 Drop off your Expired or Unused Medications and Sharps! Drive up, drop off and drive out. Six Locations to Serve you Department News Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:09:32 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=451 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=450 NIGHTTIME CLOSURES OF RUSSELL ROAD UNDER I-95 Beginning tonight, March 26 ALEXANDRIA — Weather permitting, the Virginia Department of Transportation will close Russell Rd., east and west under I-95 for overnight steel placement, starting tonight Tuesday March 26, to Thursday March 28, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Through traffic on Russell Rd. and I-95 northbound traffic exiting to Russell Rd. west will be directed onto I-95 north to Exit 150, Joplin Rd. (Route 619) west, follow signs to I-95 south to Exit 148, Russell Rd. west. Through traffic on Russell Rd. and I-95 southbound traffic exiting to Russell Rd. east will be directed onto I-95 south to Exit 143A, Garrisonville Rd. (Rt. 610) east, follow signs to I-95 north to Exit 148, Russell Rd. east. Traffic impacts will be minimal as Russell Rd. primarily serves the Marine Corps Base Quantico that will be closed during overnight hours. Police will be on site for motorist's safety. Department News Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:20:47 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=450 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=449 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2013 Possible Human Remains Recovered The Stafford Sheriff's Office reports that over the weekend, between Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, 24th, the Stafford Sheriff's Office recovered what's believed to be human remains of one person. The remains were located on the property of 881 Belle Plains Road in the White Oak area of Stafford County. These remains were transported to the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond, Virginia for autopsy, positive identification and cause of death. An extensive search of the property was conducted after Sheriff's Office personnel received and followed up on information which led to the recovery. The Sheriff's Office has information to the identity of the individual found but will not be releasing it until a positive identification is determined by the Medical Examiner's Office and next of kin is notified. The remains appear to have been there for some time and the gender of the individual is unknown at this time. This matter is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office as a homicide and continues to be a very active investigation. No charges have been filed at this point and numerous leads are being followed up on by detectives. Additional information will be made available when possible. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Stafford Sheriff Office (540)658-4400 or call Crime Solvers at (540)659-2020 or TEXT "Stafford + your tip" to CRIMES (274637) Incident News Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:45:19 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=449 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=448 Come Join the Stafford County Crime Solvers for a safe and secure way to dispose of documents! Saturday April 20, 2013 8:30am-12:30pm Stafford County Sheriff's Office 1225 Courthouse Road, Stafford VA 22554 $5 per box 100 Lbs of shredding material per person Event is Rain or Shine Department News Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:02:58 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=448 http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=447 Stafford County Sheriff's Office NEWS RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2013 On Thursday evening, March 14, 2013, Stafford County Detectives executed a search warrant at 881 Belle Plains Road. As a result of that search warrant, the Sheriff's Office remains onsite in furtherance of the ongoing investigation. At the time of the search, Dennis Paul Benzie was arrested on multiple charges to include seven charges of distribution of scheduled 1 drugs (methamphetamine). Following the execution of the search warrant, four additional charges were made which included possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm while possessing narcotics, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony and possession of marijuana. We want to assure the public that this investigation does not pose a threat to the Belle Plains community. In order to protect the integrity of this investigation, we are not in a position to make further comment. At such time when we are able to release information, you will be notified. Incident News Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:24:01 GMT http://www.staffordsheriff.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=447