Caught 'Purple Handed' Fredericksburg Man Accused Of Felony Vandalism

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Fredericksburg man who police said was caught "purple-handed" is facing a felony vandalism charge, according to authorities.

A City of Fredericksburg police officer was dispatched to a business in the 800 block of Caroline Street to investigate the report of a suspicious person with purple paint on their head.

A Fredericksburg sheriff's deputy had confronted the man, who fled down a stairwell, according to the incident report.

"Upon returning to the stairwell, officers discovered the vandalism," the report says. "The stairwell and carpeted flooring sustained significant damage from the paint."

Investigating the report of someone hiding in some bushes at the intersection of Princess Anne and George streets, the officers located the suspect, whose hands and head were covered in purple paint, according to the report.

Police arrested 30-year-0ld Qwevonne Tyece Smith of Fredericksburg and charged him with felony vandalism, intoxication in public, and obstruction.

Smith was arraigned Tuesday morning in Fredericksburg General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on March 17, according to court records.

If Smith is convicted on the vandalism charge, which is a Class 6 felony, he faces a possible sentence of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,500, under Virginia law.