Deputies responding to a 3:30 a.m. alarm at Hall Precision and Gun Smithing found evidence of an attempted break-in. Surveillance showed four suspects trying to force open a door before fleeing when the alarm sounded. Soon after, Fredericksburg Police reported a similar burglary involving the same suspects. The vehicle they used was later found to have been stolen from Prince William County.
By 8 a.m., a sharp-eyed school bus driver spotted four masked individuals near BJ’s Wholesale Club off Plank Road. Deputies responded, chased the teens on foot, and took them into custody. All were wearing clothes matching those seen in surveillance footage.
The suspects, ages 15 to 17 and from Prince William and Stafford counties, now face charges in Spotsylvania including vandalism, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny. Authorities say more charges could follow as investigations continue across several jurisdictions.
Here’s the full press release:
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Major Liz ScottString of Regional Burglaries Leads to Arrest of Four Juveniles in Spotsylvania County
Spotsylvania County, VA — A series of burglaries, attempted burglaries, stolen vehicles, and vehicle vandalisms occurring across multiple jurisdictions—from Prince William County to Spotsylvania County—culminated in the arrest of four juveniles, ages 15 to 17, from Prince William County and Stafford County. The arrests were made during the early morning hours of November 20.At approximately 3:30 a.m., deputies with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to a commercial alarm at Hall Precision and Gun Smithing. Surveillance footage showed four suspects attempting to force entry by prying open a door. The suspects fled in a vehicle after being startled by the business’s audible alarm.
A broadcast of the suspect descriptions was immediately sent to surrounding jurisdictions. Shortly afterward, the Fredericksburg Police Department notified our office that a business in the City of Fredericksburg had also been burglarized, with suspect descriptions matching those from the Spotsylvania incident. Fredericksburg officers additionally provided a vehicle description and tag number associated with the suspects.
During the initial investigation, deputies located the suspect vehicle nearby. Evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle had likely been stolen. The registered owner in Prince William County was contacted and confirmed the vehicle had indeed been stolen.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., an alert Spotsylvania County school bus driver reported four masked individuals in a subdivision off Plank Road near BJ’s Wholesale Club, noting they appeared to be carrying what was believed to be a “large screwdriver.” Deputies quickly responded, saturating the area. Following a brief foot pursuit, all four individuals were detained.
The juveniles were still wearing clothing consistent with both the Fredericksburg incident and the attempted burglary at Hall Precision Gun Smithing. Parents were notified following identification of the suspects as juveniles.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, Spotsylvania detectives charged all four juveniles with Vandalism, Burglary, Possession of Stolen Auto, and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office would like to formally acknowledge and express our sincere appreciation to the Spotsylvania Fire Marshal’s Office and the Fredericksburg Police Department K9 Unit for their critical assistance in the apprehension of the suspects involved in this incident. Their prompt response, professionalism, and coordinated efforts were instrumental in ensuring a safe and effective resolution.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be pending in connection with related incidents across multiple jurisdictions.
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Phone: 1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822
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