Alexandria Woman Faces Felony Assault On Police Charge: ACPD

ARLINGTON, VA — A 22-year-old Alexandria woman is facing a felony assault against law enforcement officer charge in connection to a Wednesday afternoon traffic stop Wednesday in Shirlington, according to authorities.

Just before 3:30 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 2800 block South Quincy Street. During the investigation, the officer determined that the driver, identified as Veyonce Smith of Alexandria, was driving with a suspended license, according to police.

The officer told Smith to exit the vehicle. Although she complied with that order, Smith ignored the officer's additional commands, according to the incident report. Another officer who'd arrived at the scene, detained Smith, so that the officers who first responded to the call could continue their investigation.

While Smith was being detained, she struck an officer, according to police. No injuries were reported. Smith was arrested and charged with assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.

Smith has a preliminary hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, in Arlington General District Court, according to court records. She was released on her own recognizance.

The assault and battery of a law enforcement officer charge is a Class 6 felony. If convicted, Smith faces a potential sentence of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, under the Virginia Code.