Man Who Threatened To Kill Deputies Faces Assault Charges: Sheriff

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 43-year-old man who threatened to kill two Stafford County Sheriff’s deputies, is facing multiple charges in connection to an incident that took place early Monday at a Fredericksburg convenience store, according to authorities.

Deputies responded around 12:12 a.m. to the Wawa at 9 South Gateway Drive for the report of a disturbance. A man was kicking vehicles and threatening to punch a woman in the face, according to the report.

The suspect, later identified as Samuel Thompson IV, was located nearby. When the deputies tried to make contact with him, he ran toward the Clarion Inn, the sheriff’s office says.

“When deputies gave chase, the suspect changed his mind and quickly got into a fighting stance,” according to the incident report. “The suspect would make threats to kill deputies as he squared up. In an attempt to prevent any injuries, one deputy enacted a takedown. On the ground, the suspect continued to resist and would assault a deputy.”

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As Thompson was taken into custody, he continued to threaten the deputies and appeared to be intoxicated, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputies found suspected controlled substances in Thompson’s possession.

Following his arrest, Thompson was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail and charged with two counts of assault and battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, possession of controlled substances, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and drinking alcohol in a public place. He was then held without bond.

Thompson was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Stafford General District Court, but the arraignment was continued to Wednesday morning, according to court records. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 25.

The two assault and battery on law enforcement charges are Class 6 felonies, which each carry a potential sentence of one to five years in prison, or alternatively, up to 12 months in jail and a fine not exceeding $2,500, under the Code of Virginia.

If convicted on the possession of Schedule I/ II controlled substances charge, which is a Class 5 felony, Thompson could be sentenced to one to 10 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail with a fine of up to $2,500, under Virginia law. The other charges were all misdemeanors.