From Fredericksburg Police:
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 illicit drugs.
On July 23rd, Officer Hibbitts initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 500 block of Lafayette Boulevard for a traffic violation. During their investigation, officers established probable cause to search the car and located a loaded firearm in a backpack belonging to the passenger, Damien Stevens. Stevens, 41, of Fredericksburg, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, second offense.
On July 27th, a narcotics detective witnessed Damari Peyton enter two stores he is barred from along the Fall Hill Avenue corridor. Upon exiting one of the stores, Peyton entered a vehicle and began traveling east on Fall Hill Avenue. A patrol officer initiated a traffic stop on the car and found a concealed weapon and over a pound of marijuana in Peyton’s possession. Peyton, 18, of Fredericksburg was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana under the age of 21, and two charges of trespassing.
On July 29th at approximately 1:00 a.m., Officer Berry, Officer Morse, and Officer Bertsch were on foot patrol in the 400 block of William Street when they heard loud music behind Virginia Partners Bank on William Street. Patrol officers discovered a small group of people standing around vehicles with alcohol. One of the individuals had their back to the officers and was waving around a loaded rifle. Officers verbally commanded the individual, later identified as Dorian Allen, to put the gun down, and he complied. Officers found a second loaded firearm and a large amount of marijuana in Allen’s vehicle. Allen, 23, of Spotsylvania County was arrested for brandishing a gun, reckless handling of a firearm, possession of a concealed weapon, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The Fredericksburg Police Department has always proactively seized illegal firearms and illicit drugs and will continue its proactive policing efforts to ensure the City is safe for everyone.
