Shooting Suspect In Jail After Dispute Outside AutoZone: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A suspect has been arrested after Friday's shooting in an AutoZone parking lot. The suspect, Christopher Aubrey Thomas, was arrested by Virginia State Police on Friday, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

On Friday evening, a man and three acquaintances went to the AutoZone to purchase auto parts, the sheriff's office said. Thomas arrived at the business separately to assist with the purchase. Authorities said Thomas had previously been in a relationship with one of the people who accompanied the victim.

While the four people were in the AutoZone parking lot, Thomas pulled a handgun out of the vehicle and fired a round. The bullet struck a man in the arm, police said. A Stafford County deputy arrived on the scene and provided first aid for the victim. The deputy applied a tourniquet to the victim's right arm.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to the sheriff's office.

After the shooting, authorities said Thomas fled the area in a blue Chevrolet truck. The sheriff's office notified other law enforcement agencies, and Thomas was arrested by Virginia State Police in Caroline County.

Thomas is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. He is charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon.