In the early hours of July 22, 2024, several unlocked vehicles in the Innis Drive and Everett Court area of Fredericksburg were broken into, resulting in the theft of valuable items, including a firearm and a watch. Video surveillance revealed a single male suspect involved in the thefts.
On July 26, 2024, the same neighborhood experienced additional break-ins on Walker Drive, Yates Circle, and Anderson Drive, where multiple unlocked vehicles were tampered with and several items stolen.
On July 27, 2024, Officer Bach was monitoring the Ring app and came across a video titled “Suspicious Activity.” The footage showed a male and female approaching a white vehicle and, following a verbal exchange, the male suspect fired a firearm toward the vehicle. The suspects fled the scene. Officers Bach, DeCilles, and Parker responded to the 1800 block of Princess Anne Street, recovered a single cartridge casing, and began canvassing the area for witnesses.
During the canvass, Officer Parker detained a suspect who was identified as the shooter. The investigation revealed that the firearm used in the shooting was the same one stolen from Everett Court on July 22. The suspect, John Smith, 26, was also found wearing the watch stolen from Innis Drive on July 22. Video footage confirmed Smith’s involvement in the initial thefts.
Smith, who has no fixed address, was arrested and charged with reckless handling of a firearm, entering a vehicle without permission, attempted robbery with a firearm, two counts of entering a vehicle to commit a crime, felony theft of a firearm, and grand larceny. He was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond.
Warrants have also been obtained for Smith’s accomplices, Karen Williams, 27, of Woodford, and Lamar Dickerson, 29, of Ruther Glen. Both are wanted for attempted robbery with a firearm and conspiring to commit a felony. Authorities urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the police department.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the July 26 thefts or additional details is encouraged to contact the Fredericksburg Police at 540-373-3122 or submit an anonymous tip by texting “FPDtip” followed by the tip to 847-411. The free FPD Tip app is also available for download on Android and iPhones.
Currently, there is no evidence linking the July 22 and July 26 thefts.