The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department has decided not to file charges against the two individuals involved in a road rage incident that turned into a stabbing near a Wal-Mart location in Stafford on December 21.
“[After] consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney, there are no charges being filed,” said Bill Kennedy, Public Information Officer for the Stafford County Sherriff’s office.
According to Kennedy, one individual got out of his car and attacked the driver in the car in front of him, which led to the stabbing.
“The individual who was stabbed – before that occurred – got out of his car, reached in and began punching and assaulting the individual who was in the car in front of him. Now in response, that individual had a razor knife and defended himself. He caused, when he did that, there was cut that caused a major loss of blood,” said Kennedy.
Stafford Local attempted to reach out to a man claiming to be the father of the assault’s victim but received no response.
Kennedy stated that the individual stabbed was taken to the hospital with severe injuries, and after the incident occurred, did not even remember what had taken place.
“In fact, the man who was injured, when he was taken to the hospital…said he had no recollection of the incident,” said Kennedy.
Sheriff deputies interviewed several witnesses at the scene in December to help make a determination as to what took place, and whether it was appropriate to file charges.
“This was self-defense – legally justified. The gentleman who reached into the car was assaulting the individual who was in the car. However, keeping in mind the severe injury that resulted in the altercation – this guy almost lost his life as well,” Kennedy said.
The sheriff’s department could not release the names of the two individuals, as no charges were filed. They also could not discuss the current condition of the individual who was stabbed or the location of his medical treatment, under HIPAA protections.
Kennedy warned residents always to call for law enforcement to prevent these types of incidents.
“If there’s an issue that is going to result in an altercation, call 9-1-1 right away. And no matter where you are, deputies will respond,” Kennedy commented.
