Fire At Sheetz Leads To Arson Charge In Stafford County: Authorities

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A woman intentionally set fires at a Stafford County Sheetz on Monday evening, according to fire and rescue officials.

No injuries were reported and the business re-opened after sustaining minor damage.

After an investigation, authorities charged Courtney Venable with one count of burning of an occupied dwelling. She was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

If convicted, Venable could spend the rest of her life in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

First responders learned of the fire on Washington Square Plaza around 11:30 p.m. on Friday; firefighters were on the scene three minutes later, the fire department said in a report.

Firefighters reported heavy smoke in the business, and they later found two smoldering fires in the men and women's bathrooms. There was no open flame, but the area was filled with smoke.

The fire marshal's office determined that the fires were intentionally set. Authorities determined that Venable was responsible.

The sheriff's office and fire department did not provide any information about the events that led up to the fires.