After experiencing two firearms-related homicides within a three-month timespan, the Fredericksburg Police Department increased its enforcement efforts against people in possession of illegal firearms and/or illicit drugs. The following are some, but not all, of the proactive police efforts put forth by the patrol and detective division to reduce violent crime in the City of Fredericksburg:
• On June 11th at approximately 4:45 p.m., Officer Murphy was patrolling in the 1200 block of
Wicklow Drive when he witnessed a male juvenile acting suspiciously. He approached the juvenile
and found a loaded 9MM handgun and marijuana in his possession. The fourteen-year-old
offender was taken to the Rappahannock Juvenile Center and appropriate petitions were filed.
• On June 13th at approximately 4:00 p.m., a Narcotics Detective was performing surveillance in the
3100 block of Fall Hill Avenue and witnessed suspicious activity involving a Mercury SUV parked
in the area. Twenty-five-year-old Christopher Parks of Fredericksburg was arrested and charged
with intent to distribute a controlled substance (crack cocaine.)
• On June 13th at approximately 5:30 p.m., Sergeant Rivers initiated a traffic stop in the 100 block
off Riverside Manor Boulevard and found the passenger in possession of a concealed .40 caliber
handgun. Rahmon Starkes, 23, of Fredericksburg was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
• On June 14th at approximately 9:00 p.m., Officer Murphy initiated a traffic stop in the 2000 block
of Carl D. Silver Parkway. Officer Murphy located suspected crack cocaine and other drug
paraphernalia in the vehicle. Charges are pending further investigation at this time for the
offender.
• On July 1st at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Tyler Street for a
noise complaint. Officers witnessed a large group of 25 young people fighting in the roadway at
the intersection of Tyler Street and White Street. While breaking up the fight, a 16-year-old
juvenile male was found in possession of a concealed Glock 9MM handgun. He was turned over
to the Rappahannock Juvenile Center and appropriate petitions were filed.
• On July 4th at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Mecox Lane for
a disturbance. A 24-year-old Spotsylvania resident was found in possession of an AR-15 rifle.
Police seized the firearm and charges are pending further investigation.
The City is seeing an alarming number of juveniles with access to firearms or possessing firearms. The Fredericksburg Police Department is working tirelessly to identify the adults responsible for providing guns and drugs to our youth. We urge parents and caregivers to stay vigilant of what their children are doing, who they’re hanging out with, what they’re storing in their bedrooms, and their online history.
If you own a firearm, store it safely and do not leave it in an unlocked vehicle. There have been several police reports this summer where guns were stolen from unlocked cars. If you want to surrender an unwanted firearm voluntarily, bring it to Fredericksburg Police Headquarters anytime, day or night. Gun owners can be confident their unwanted firearms will not end up in the wrong hands. If possible, call our agency before arriving to advise us you want to dispose of a firearm. Leave the gun in the trunk or rear of your vehicle and ensure it is unloaded. We do not accept ammunition.
If you know someone providing firearms or drugs to youth, or juveniles in illegal possession of firearms and would like to report them, call 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and
iPhones. To download the app, search “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store
