VA Woman 'Tweaking Out,' Fighting Gas Pump Arrested: Sheriff

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 28-year-old Spotsylvania woman is facing multiple charges, including possession of controlled substances, after she was reported acting erratically outside a Fredericksburg convenience store on Saturday night, authorities say.

Around 7:45 p.m., a Stafford County sheriff's deputy responded to the Wawa at 830 Warrenton Road for reports of a woman acting strangely.

"Callers advised a female was 'Tweaking out,' as she danced around and attempted to fight the gas pump," according to the incident report.

Upon arrival, the deputy located Brittany Atkins of Spotsylvania. Despite saying she hadn't done "a lot" of drugs that day, Atkins showed signs of being under the influence, according to the report.

The deputy determined that Atkins had two prior DUIs in 2018 and her license was suspended, according to the report. Searching Atkins' vehicle, the deputy found suspected controlled substances.

Atkins was arrested and charged with driving under the influence third offense in 10 years, possession of controlled substances, driving while suspended, and third offense refusal. She was then held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond, according to the sheriff's office.

On Monday morning, Atkins was arraigned in Stafford General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Dec. 11, according to court records.

The possession of Schedule I or II substances charge is a Class 5 felony. If convicted on this charge, Atkins faces a potential sentence of one to 10 years in prison, under the Code of Virginia. At the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case, the sentence could be lowered to up to 12 months in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

The third DWI in 5-10 years is a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by one to five years in prison or jail time up to 12 months and a fine of. up to $2,500, according to VA law. The remaining charges are Class 1 misdemeanors.