On January 19, at 8:47 p.m., Deputy A.J. Deasy responded to the area of Route 1 and Garrisonville Road for a report of a drunk driver. Upon arrival, Deputy Deasy observed the vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel and initiated a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Amanda Thornton, 28, of Stafford. A young child and two adult passengers were observed inside the vehicle as well.

Thornton appeared to be under the influence. Field sobriety tests were administered and Deputy West, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, assisted in conducting a Drug Recognition Evaluation. The investigation resulted in Thornton being arrested for driving under the influence.
The two adult passengers, Brandon Young, 28, of Stafford, and Christopher Peterson, 35, of Stafford, also appeared under the influence. As Young was taken into custody for public intoxication, a suspected controlled substance fell out of his pant leg.

Thornton was charged with driving under the influence with a felony child endangerment enhancement and held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Young was charged with possession of a controlled substance and public intoxication. He was held on a $2,000 secured bond. Peterson was arrested for public intoxication and held until sober.

A responsible adult responded to the scene and took custody of the child.