CULPEPER, VA — Two Culpeper residents are facing felony charges after police said a dispute over a property line escalated into a violent assault that left a neighbor hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to Culpeper police, officers responded to the 1100 block of Oakmont Court around 9 a.m. on July 17 for a reported fight. Investigators said the altercation escalated when Louis Chevalier Sr., 70, and Gail Chevalier, 72, used a hammer and a leaf blower to attack their neighbor.
The 73-year-old victim was found unconscious inside his home with severe bruising, multiple cuts and active bleeding, police said.
According to police, witness interviews and forensic evidence indicate the victim's finger was bitten during the struggle. Detectives also said Louis Chevalier admitted to gouging the victim's eye with his finger and repeatedly striking him with a hammer, leaving injuries consistent with both the hammer's head and claw.
Police said Gail Chevalier is accused of striking the victim multiple times in the back of the head with a leaf blower.
Police said detectives recovered the victim's blood on Louis Chevalier's shirt, on the hammer and at the scene. Investigators also said evidence indicates the suspects used paper towels to clean the victim's blood from themselves before officers recovered the towels inside their residence.
The victim received six stitches and was diagnosed with a laceration and depression to the back of his skull, a concussion and numerous additional bruises and cuts. He remained hospitalized this week, police said, and medical staff told investigators he may have suffered permanent injuries, pending further evaluation.
Louis Chevalier and Gail Chevalier were arrested and are being held without bond. Police did not immediately announce the specific charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
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