Teens Fired Pellet Guns At Pedestrians In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Four teenagers fired pellet guns at pedestrians in Stafford County on Friday night, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. The trio of 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old now face criminal charges.

Authorities said no injuries were reported on Friday.

The sheriff's office identified the adult suspects as Derek Ford, Malayia Ford and Jimmy Rodas. The 17-year-old has not been identified by name due to a Virginia law that protects the identity of minors.

The four teens are charged with shooting from a vehicle, assault and battery and disorderly conduct. The 18-year-olds were taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, while a parent picked up the 17-year-old. The older teens were held on a $2,000 bond, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Friday at the Stafford Marketplace. A witness told deputies that they saw teenagers in a silver Nissan sedan firing pellets at pedestrians.

A deputy found the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Woodsboro Boulevard and Staffordboro Boulevard; there were four teens in the car, authorities said.

"In a fortuitous discovery for law enforcement, one of the suspects had video recorded the evening's escapades, linking the suspects to additional criminal mischief in Prince William County," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook. "Police in Prince William were notified and the investigation continues."

Deputies said they found several pellet guns in the car. The three adults were taken into custody. Stafford County Juvenile Intake declined to detain the child in the car and he was released to a parent.

"Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the dangers of social media challenges and the serious consequences of participating in these challenges," the sheriff's office said.