Suspected Carjacker Hides From Police In Ice Cooler, Trash Can

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Stafford County Sheriff's deputies arrested a suspect Wednesday night in connection with an attempted carjacking at a local convenience store. The suspect has been identified as Romaine Williamson, 25, of Stafford.

On Wednesday just after 9 p.m., a sheriff's deputy went to the Circle K convenience store and gas station at 34 Prosperity Lane in response to reports of an attempted carjacking. Three females inside a vehicle parked near the gas station's car wash told the deputy that a man had left their vehicle and was hiding in an ice cooler.

As the deputy approached the ice cooler, the suspect opened the door and the deputy observed a firearm in his hand. He ordered the suspect to get out of the cooler. Eventually, the suspect got out of the ice cooler and placed the firearm on the ground, according to the Stafford Sheriff's Department.

However, the suspect then climbed into a trash can. Another deputy arrived on the scene and they continued to order the suspect to get out of the trash can. The suspect eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident. The deputies seized the firearm as evidence.

During an investigation, Stafford sheriff's detectives learned that the suspect — whom the victims did not recognize — entered their vehicle and pulled a gun out of his waistband. One of the victims saw a man exiting the store and mouthed “Help.”

The bystander approached the vehicle and confronted the suspect, prompting him to exit the vehicle and walk away. The victims then contacted the Stafford sheriff’s office and drove to a safe place in the parking lot.

Williamson is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond on charges of attempted carjacking, use of a firearmin commission of a felony and brandishing a firearm.