Newport News Man Charged in Uncle's Fatal Shooting (2024)

STAFFORD, Va. — Two separate incidents involving public intoxication at local fast-food establishments resulted in arrests over the weekend, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

On Saturday, August 17, deputies responded to reports of intoxicated individuals at both a Burger King and a McDonald's in Stafford County. The first incident occurred around lunchtime at the Burger King on Kings Highway.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Deputy S.A. Hensley was dispatched after a male was seen staggering around the parking lot, nearly walking into oncoming traffic. Upon arrival, Deputy Hensley observed several signs of intoxication and found the man in possession of an empty vodka bottle.

The man was arrested and charged with public intoxication before being transported to Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was held until sober.

Later that evening, Deputy A.J. Charoenthep responded to a McDonald's on Ferry Road after receiving reports of an employee causing a disturbance.

Staff reported that the 19-year-old employee became belligerent when asked to leave the premises. Deputies noted that the individual showed signs of intoxication and was in possession of alcohol, despite being underage. The employee was arrested and charged with public intoxication and underage possession of alcohol. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $500 secured bond.

Both incidents underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing public intoxication in the community.

STAFFORD, Va. — A 26-year-old man from Stafford faces multiple charges after leading police on a brief pursuit while allegedly intoxicated late Saturday night, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. The incident began when the suspect, identified as Ellis Murdaugh, reportedly ran a red light on Courthouse Road near the I-95 entrance ramp around 11:35 p.m.

Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen observed the traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop at the next light. However, Murdaugh did not comply, driving off as soon as the sergeant exited his vehicle. A pursuit ensued, with Deputy J.J. Holetzky joining the effort to apprehend the driver.

The chase ended when Murdaugh pulled into the parking lot of a McDonald’s on Wonder Road, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities discovered that Murdaugh was driving with a suspended license and showed signs of intoxication. Additionally, suspected controlled substances were found in his vehicle.

Murdaugh has been charged with a range of offenses, including driving under the influence, possession with intent to distribute, eluding police, and multiple traffic violations. He is currently being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

"These charges reflect the seriousness of the incident," the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, highlighting the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement.

SELBYVILLE, Del. — A Selbyville man was arrested on charges of aggravated menacing after allegedly threatening another man with a knife in Dagsboro on Sunday evening, according to Delaware State Police.

Troopers responded to a report of a disorderly individual on the 30000 block of Peppers Creek Road at around 5:25 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they spoke with a 44-year-old man who claimed that Matthew Mitchell, 47, had slashed the tires on his truck and threatened him with a knife. The incident reportedly occurred after the victim's truck allegedly tailgated Mitchell’s vehicle on Vines Creek Road.

According to the Delaware State Police, the confrontation escalated when the victim exited his vehicle. Mitchell is accused of grabbing the victim and making threats while brandishing a knife.

The victim was not physically injured during the altercation.

Mitchell was taken into custody and transported to Troop 4, where he was charged with aggravated menacing and other related offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and subsequently committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $16,300 secured bond.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.