On June 18, 2020, a resident broke down on the Blue and Gray Parkway near the Kings Highway ramp. She left the vehicle on the shoulder at 5:30 p.m. in the hopes of having it repaired later that evening. Her husband arrived at 9:00 p.m. to attempt the repair and observed a Dodge Van parked behind the disabled vehicle. He then heard the horn blow in the Dodge and saw a subject exit his disabled vehicle. The subject went back to the van and fled the area, but not before the victim was able to record the van license plate.

The victim conducted an inventory of the vehicle and discovered an iPhone, an automotive diagnostic scanner, a camping axe and about $40 in loose change was missing. This information along with the suspect description and suspect vehicle information was relayed to the Stafford Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Layug located the suspect vehicle and two suspects the following day, and made contact at the 7-11 store at Kings Highway and Ferry Road. Through an interview and witness identification, Deputy Layug determined that Joshua Partsch, 29, of Spotsylvania, was the suspect that entered the disabled vehicle and Christopher Wilk, 35, was the driver. A search of their vehicle yielded a small amount of suspected marijuana and the stolen camping axe.

Partsch was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, grand larceny, tampering with a vehicle and possession of marijuana. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a secure bond. Wilk was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and also held on a secure bond.