Policeman Finds Construction Site Burglary in Progress

A police officer likely knows this better than anyone: Sometimes it’s as easy as seeing what’s in front of you.

An officer patrolling the area of the old General District Court construction site walked up to a burglary in progress, according to Fredericksburg City Police.

The officer was patrolling the area of 615 Princess Anne Street in the early morning hours Sunday when he stopped to check a pickup truck with cooper pipe hanging off the bed.

The officer also noticed that the gate securing the site had been forced open and there was a large number of tools in truck bed.

While checking the truck out, the suspect approached and claimed that he’d been assaulted and his truck had been stolen. Police say the evidence didn’t support his story.

Coston Cheatham, 21, of Spotsylvania, was arrested on charges of burglary, grand larceny, felony vandalism, and trespassing. Cheatham was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.