Teenage Hit-And-Run Driver Had AR-15, Marijuana In Vehicle: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Authorities said two children harassed a driver before fleeing the scene of a crash in Stafford on Sunday. Deputies found marijuana and an AR-15 rifle with the suspects, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office did not say whether any injuries were reported.

Authorities have not identified the juveniles by name due to a Virginia law that protects the identities of minors. One juvenile, who was driving the vehicle when it crashed, was charged with underage possession of a firearm, hit and run, underage possession of marijuana, underage possession of tobacco, and driving without a license.

The passenger in the vehicle, who was also a juvenile, was charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault.

The driver was held at the juvenile detention center. The passenger was released to his mother, according to the sheriff's office.

The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday on Worth Avenue in Stafford. A caller told authorities that two vehicles had crashed. Two people exited one of the vehicles and started harassing the other driver before leaving the scene.

The victim told deputies that the two suspects "aggressively approached" and threatened him.

A Stafford County deputy found a vehicle matching the description on Sundance Road and spoke with the driver.

"The driver confirmed he was involved in the accident and only had a learner’s permit," the sheriff's office said in a report. "While conversing with the driver, Sergeant Jacobeen observed both tobacco and marijuana in his possession. Later into their conversation, Sergeant Jacobeen learned there was a rifle in the vehicle."

The rifle was an AR-15 with a loaded magazine, the sheriff's office said. Authorities did not say who owned the firearm.

"The passenger was released to his mother, who lectured him about his poor choices," the sheriff's office said.