Shoplifting Call Leads To 2 Arrests And Multiple Charges Near Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A reported shoplifting attempt at a Stafford County Target led deputies to arrest a Fredericksburg man wanted in three counties and a Stafford woman accused of driving with a revoked license and carrying a concealed weapon, authorities said.

Stafford County sheriff’s deputies responded just before 5:30 p.m., on Friday, to the Target near 25 South Gateway Drive after receiving information that a suspected shoplifter had run from the store and was leaving the area, according to an incident report.

A sheriff's deputy located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, authorities said. Deputies found several people inside and identified a passenger as the person reportedly seen running from the store.

What Deputies Said They Found

The passenger initially gave deputies false identifying information before eventually providing his correct identity, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities identified him as Johnnie Mickle Jr., 39, of Fredericksburg.

A records check showed that Mickle was wanted in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Prince William counties, the report said. Deputies arrested him on the outstanding warrants.

During a search, deputies reported finding narcotics on Mickle and a credit card bearing the driver’s name. A bag on the passenger-side floorboard contained additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia, authorities said. The substances and paraphernalia were submitted as evidence.

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Stafford General District Court records list two new felony charges against Mickle alleging possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute Schedule I or II controlled substances. He also faces a Class 1 misdemeanor identity theft charge in connection with the Aug. 14 incident, court records show.

The three cases were filed Monday, Aug. 17. Mickle was listed as being in custody, and preliminary hearings were scheduled for Nov. 5.

Driver Also Arrested

Deputies identified the driver as Edith Sage, 38, of Stafford. An initial investigation showed that her driver’s license had been revoked, authorities said.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a concealed weapon near the driver’s seat, according to the report. Sage was charged with driving with a revoked license and carrying a concealed weapon.

Sage was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail and held on a secured bond, the sheriff’s office said. The report did not provide the bond amount.

Outstanding Cases And Warrants

The court records show Mickle had cases or warrants in several jurisdictions when he was arrested.

In Spotsylvania County, Mickle faces a felony charge alleging he acted as an accessory before the fact to the shoplifting of merchandise valued at more than $1,000 on July 24. Court records show he was arrested in that case Aug. 14 and list a hearing for Oct. 14.

A separate Stafford County case accuses Mickle of grand larceny involving property valued at $1,000 or more on July 21. He was arrested on that charge on Friday, and an arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday, according to court records.

Prince William County records list cases involving misdemeanor shoplifting and fleeing from law enforcement stemming from an April 30 incident. Those records also list a failure-to-appear capias, an alleged violation of release conditions and a pending probation violation proceeding.

Two Stafford County Circuit Court records list Mickle as a fugitive in separate probation violation proceedings. Capiases were issued in those cases before his arrest on Thursday.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.