Woman Sexually Assaulted During Ride Home in Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA — A woman who accepted a ride home last from work last weekend by a male co-worker she had met the same day was groped and then exposed to both the man's genitals and attempted forcible sodomy in a McDonald's drive-thru line, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

The woman recoiled, made up a story about having to stop by a Walmart, and then went inside and hid in a bathroom and then a dressing room, where she messaged a friend for help.

Police arrived and arrested Patrick Brian Stambler, 33, of Ranch Drive in Spotsylvania. He was charged with attempted forcible sodomy and sexual battery and is being held without bond.

Around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a disturbance at the Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, where they were told by the victim's friend she was hiding in a dressing room from a man who was "stalking" her. The friend said the victim sent her a Facebook message that said Stambler was driving a gold van.

One officer found Stambler sitting in his vehicle, and he said he was looking for a co-worker he was giving a ride home. Another officer entered the store and found the victim.

She verified the story about Stambler and told them they agreed to get food from McDonald's. As they approached the restaurant, she said he put his hand down his shirt.

Then, in the drive-thru lane, she said he exposed himself and pushed her head down in an attempt at forcible sodomy.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office