On May 24, 2024, Fredericksburg police officers responded to a carjacking report on Carl D. Silver Parkway. Officer Hernandez-Rios arrived at the scene after a cleaning crew reported being forced from their vehicle at knifepoint. The two suspects fled on foot, prompting a coordinated response that included establishing a perimeter and deploying K9 Officer DeCilles, who successfully tracked the suspects.
The suspects, found hiding in a nearby field with challenging terrain, were apprehended without incident. During the search, officers discovered that one of the suspects had discarded a book bag in the field’s tall grass. Initially, the bag was not located.
Two days later, on May 26, Officer Baugher, a member of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team, was called to the scene. Utilizing drone technology, Officer Baugher flew over the field and successfully located the book bag, which was collected as additional evidence.
Joseph Wells, 21, of Stafford County, was arrested and charged with carjacking, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, attempted malicious wounding, and conspiracy. He is being held without bond. A juvenile female involved in the incident was also arrested and charged with carjacking, trespassing, and grand larceny.