Stafford, VA. A suspect was arrested on Wednesday night by deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office following an attempted carjacking at a local convenience store.

On March 18, 2020, at approximately 9:07 p.m., Deputy Ahern responded to the Circle K convenience store and gas station located at 34 Prosperity Lane regarding reports of an attempted carjacking. Upon arrival, the deputy located a vehicle parked near the carwash. He made contact with the three female occupants who advised that the suspect had left their vehicle and was hiding in the ice cooler.

As Deputy Ahern approached the ice cooler, the suspect opened the door and the deputy observed a firearm in his hand. He ordered the suspect to get out of the cooler; eventually, the suspect complied and placed the firearm on the ground. However, the suspect then climbed into a trash can.

Deputy West arrived on scene and they continued to order the suspect to get out of the trashcan. The suspect eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident. The firearm was seized as evidence.

During the investigation, detectives learned that the suspect—whom the victims did not recognize—entered the vehicle and pulled a gun out of his waistband. One of the victims saw a man exiting the store and mouthed “Help.” The man approached the vehicle and confronted the suspect, prompting him to exit the vehicle and walk away. They then contacted the Sheriff’s Office and drove to a safe place in the parking lot.

The suspect has been identified as Romaine Williamson, 25, of Stafford. He was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of attempted carjacking, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and brandishing a firearm.