Possession Of Machine Guns Charge Filed In Stolen Auto Case: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A 20-year-old Woodbridge man is facing multiple charges, including possession of machine guns, after being arrested Feb. 5 in Centreville by detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department's Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit.

ACE detectives responded around 11:15 a.m. to investigate a stolen vehicle report in the area of Woodmere Drive and Sequoia Drive in Centreville.

"Detectives were alerted by the Prince William County Police Department that a stolen vehicle from their jurisdiction was in the area," according to the incident report. "Detectives quickly located the vehicle, which was occupied."

Seeing the police, the suspect exited the vehicle and tried to escape capture on foot, but detectives took him into custody with the help of patrol officers who had also responded to the scene, the report says. Detectives recovered a firearm that the suspect discarded during the brief pursuit.

Marquel Gatling-Bryant of Woodbridge was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with grand larceny auto theft, possession of machine guns, three counts of possession of burglarious tools, larceny, obstruction of justice, and carrying a loaded firearm, according to police. He was then held without bond.

On Feb. 6, Gatling Bryant was arraigned in Fairfax County General District Court and had a bond hearing on Feb. 9, according to court records. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 22. He remains in custody.

The most serious charge Gatling Bryant is facing is possession and use of a machine gun for aggravated purposes, which is a Class 4 felony. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of two to 10 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, under the Code of Virginia.

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Gatling Bryant also has an arraignment scheduled for 1 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Prince William General District Court on two counts of possession of auto sears and trigger activators; leaving a loaded gun near a child under the age of 14; grand larceny auto theft; entering and setting in motion a vehicle; and receiving or buying stolen goods of less than $1,000 in value.

Anyone with information about these incidents to call the Sully District Station at 703-814-7000 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.