Crime & Safety
2 Assault On Law Enforcement Charges Levied Against Fredericksburg Man: Sheriff
The Spotsylvania sheriff's office charged a Fredericksburg man with two felony counts of assault on police, authorities say.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A 43-year-old Fredericksburg man is facing a two counts of assault on law enforcement in connection to an incident that occurred Jan. 15 in Spotsylvania County, authorities say.
Sheriff's deputies responded around 10:20 p.m. to investigate a trespassing report in the 3400 block of Shannon Park Drive.
"Upon arrival, deputies were advised that a male subject was trespassing on the property after being told to leave," according to the incident report. "Deputies located the subject standing near the corner of the building. The male appeared heavily intoxicated and refused to leave the property."
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As soon as the deputies arrested the suspect, he immediately began resisting. Following a brief struggle, the suspect was taken into custody, the report says.
"While being placed into a patrol vehicle, the suspect kicked one deputy in the knee and spit in the face of another deputy," according to the sheriff's office. "The suspect also attempted to kick out the vehicle window; however, installed window guards prevented any damage. One deputy sustained a minor injury during the incident."
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Deputies arrested Donald Nichelson of Fredericksburg, charging him with drunk in public, trespassing, resisting arrest and two counts of assault on law enforcement, according to the incident report. He was then taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
On Jan. 16, Nichelson was arraigned in Spotsylvania General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 10, according to court records. He remains in custody.
Most of the charges Nichelson is facing are Class 1 misdemeanors, which each carry a potential penalty of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, under the Code of Virginia.
The two assault on law enforcement charges are Class 6 felonies. If convicted on either of these charges, Johnson faces a possible sentence of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, under Virginia law.
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