FCPRD 5K benefitting Bright Futures receives “glowing” response

Frederick County Parks and Recreation and Run at the Top once again teamed up with Bright Futures for the Third Annual Glow All Out 5K to benefit students in Winchester and Frederick County Public Schools.

Participants gathered at the grounds of Evendale Elementary and Admiral Byrd Middle schools before taking off on the event donning glow necklaces, neon facepaint and light up costumes from under a glowing, inflatable arch start/finish line.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the race with road closures near the schools to ensure the runners’ safety.

In the announcement from FCPS, Bright Futures Program Coordinator Elise Stine-Dolinar said, “It’s wonderful to see our community champions come out to celebrate our work and go the extra mile to support Bright Futures. Through our partnership with Frederick County Parks and Rec, and the generosity of more than 400 runners and 30 volunteers, we hope to exceed last year’s fundraising total of $5,000!”

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FCSO deputy injured by impaired driver Thursday

Sheriff Lenny Millholland reports, Deputy Scarlett Evans, an Animal Control Officer with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), was performing duties on North Frederick Pike near Shawnee Springs Market when her vehicle was struck.

Investigators say the driver failed to slow down, move over, or apply the brakes before crashing into Deputy Evans’ vehicle.

Deputy Evans was transported to Winchester Medical Center with multiple injuries. She has since been treated and released from the hospital.

The driver, identified as Kenneth N. McClellan of Cumberland, Maryland, has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving. He was also taken to Winchester Medical Center for treatment before being released on a summons.

Sheriff Millholland said the crash could have easily claimed the life of a deputy.

He stressed that violations of Virginia’s Move Over Law will continue to be aggressively enforced.

Virginia’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over to another lane when approaching stopped emergency, law enforcement, tow, or service vehicles displaying flashing lights. If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution.

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FCSO investigating fatal vehicle crash

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

The Traffic Unit of the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) reports the investigation of a vehicle crash.

The crash occurred on Thursday February 5th as the Fauquier County Emergency Communication Center received a call about the crash on Meetze Road between Old Meetze Road and Rodgers Drive.

A Toyota Corolla traveling southbound on Meetze Road collided with a pick-up truck that was operated by Dominion Energy.

The driver of the Dominion Energy truck did not require immediate medical assistance.

The driver of the Toyota identified as a woman from Midland was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

Authorities’ investigation into the cause of this crash is still ongoing.

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FCPS appoints two new administrators

Frederick County Public Schools announced the appointment of two new administrators during Tuesday’s School Board meeting.

Caden Thurgood is transitioning from his role as Dean of Students at the Dowell J. Howard Center to Director of Safety and Security for the district.

He has prior experience as a Deputy and Instructor with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

Thurgood received his Bachelor degree from Liberty University where he is also pursuing a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.

Delbert Whitacre was selected as the Assistant Director of Facilities Services after serving on an interim basis since March 2025.

Whitacre is a FCPS graduate and originally joined the department in 2009 where he has held a variety of roles.

Prior to FCPS, he worked as a General Contractor, Inbound Dock Associate, and Assistant Plant Manager.

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FCSO arrest a Ranson man after he points a weapon at deputies

Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland confirmed by text the arrest of a Ranson man after he pointed a gun at deputies.

On October 4 Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Deputies responded to the report of a man brandishing a firearm.

Reportedly the man pointed the gun at an individual in a vehicle at the Holiday Inn on Front Royal Pike.

Deputies went to the room of the accused and announced themselves when he answered he pointed a gun at the deputies.

Brian Keith Jones of Ranson West Virginia was taken into custody.

Jones admitted to pointing the gun at the person in the parking lot.

He claimed that he was defending himself and feared for his life.

While investigating, officers discovered methamphetamine in Jones’ room and later in his vehicle.

The 64-year-old Jones has been charged with felony counts of assault on law enforcement, and possession of a controlled substance.

Additionally Jones is charged with possession of a firearm while in possession of a control substance, and brandishing a firearm.

Jones is currently being held at the northwestern regional adult detention center.

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A Frederick County Police Chief is injured before a multi jurisdictional chase

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) reports the injury of a Police Chief before a multi jurisdictional chase.

The victim of a cellphone theft used the lost phone app and tracked it to Middletown’s Seven Eleven.

Middletown Police Chief Gary Benedict responded and made contact with the suspect.

During that interaction the suspect fled the scene striking and injuring Chief Benedict with his vehicle.

Within minutes of that incident authorities took a call regarding a van theft at Stephens City.

The perpetrator abandoned his Toyota RAV 4 in the travel lane of Interstate 81 north.

Traffic was slowing down to avoid the RAV 4 when the suspect jumped into a white work van and asked for a ride to the next exit.

At that exit the suspect drew a knife and commandeered the van.

The suspect, positively identified as Juan Vashaun Payne of Martinsburg attempted to continue north.

Virginia State Police and local law enforcement took over the chase once the van reached Clarke County.

The pursuit went into West Virginia.

In West Virginia Payne struck several law enforcement and at least one civilian vehicle which disabled the van.

Payne was taken into custody after the van stopped.

Payne was found to be wanted in Winchester on a capias warrant.

The 41-year-old Payne is now facing several additional charges from several jurisdictions.

Payne will see several felony charges including assault on law enforcement.

Middletown Police report that Chief Benedict was transported to Winchester Medical Center treated for minor injuries and released.

While at the medical center the chief was visited by Middletown Mayor Harbaugh who reports the chief was in good spirits.

Reportedly the chief joked with the mayor that he was going to need a new police car.

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FCSO arrest a Summerduck man after the malicious wounding of a woman

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) report the arrest of a Summerduck man following several rounds being fired from a handgun.

Officers discovered that Gregory Michael Drerup fired the shots toward a woman who was wounded.

She managed to get to her vehicle where she called 911 to report the incident.

Officers were able to rescue the woman and get here to emergency medical personnel who were in a safe area away from the home.

Reportedly the woman and Drerup got into an argument when he punched her before he shot her near the ear.

Deputies contacted the 43-year-old Drerup who was still in the residence in 4400 block of Shawnee Lane.

He eventually came out of the house and began pacing back and forth on the front porch.

The tactical unit was able to approach and take Drerup in custody without incident.

Drerup has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding, brandishing a firearm, and reckless handling of said firearm and is being held without bond.

The unidentified victim was treated for her non-life-threatening injuries at Mary Washington Hospital.

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FCSO warns of a roofing scam in Frederick County

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) announced that a roofing scam has been reported in the area.

It has been reported that two men in a truck have a history of this roofing scam.

These men may be using the identification Ryan Jackson LLC, Roofing and Guttering.

You are to be on the watch for these men who might approach and say they have spotted damage on your roof from the road.

The men will then volunteer to go on the roof to inspect it and then do damage to it.

If these men approach you ask them to leave immediately and call law enforcement.

If possible, safely and discreetly attempt to get a tag number and call the sheriff’s office.

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FCSO safely recover 81-year-old near Upperville

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) reports by email the recovery of an 81-year-old man lost near Upperville.

It was reported to FCSO on September 25 just past midnight that the man had wandered away from his home.

FCSO authorities were told that the man suffered from cognitive impairment and was last seen by a family member at approximately 10:30 p.m. September 24.

Search and rescue was launched immediately by several organizations including bloodhounds from Shenandoah County, and drone air support.

A bloodhound and his handler were able to track the man and found him lying at the nearby woodline in the Upperville area.

The man was checked and cleared by medical personal and escorted back home.

FCSO along with other law enforcement offices do offer Project Lifesaver.

The program helps to locate people who suffer from mental disabilities and those who might wander off.

The program helps law enforcement to find those lost faster before the unimaginable occurs to a loved one.

Contact your local Sheriff’s office to see if such a program is offered in your area.

Along with Fauquier County, Frederick, and Warren also offer this important and possible lifesaving service.

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FCSO Deputies are assaulted by an uncooperative home invader

Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland confirmed by text the arrest of an uncooperative home invader.

On September 10 Deputies responded to the report of an intruder in a woman’s home on Wallaceton Drive.

A male had entered a home in the 100 block of Wallaceton Drive while the homeowner was away.

The woman returning home found him and he refused to leave.

He went to a bathroom and locked himself inside.

When Officers arrived, they tried to convince him to come out but again he refused.

Officers breached the door and found the man bent down behind the door.

As officers attempted to take him into custody he began to resist attempting to kick one deputy in the groin at least 3 times.

While continuing to control him shackles were brought in to prevent him from kicking and help restrain him.

While escorting him to the vehicle he continued to squirm and resist.

Once taken to jail he continued to resist and began to spit toward authorities.

A spit hood was utilized, and the offender was placed in a restraining chair.

Winchester resident Erick Alexander Zavala Velasquez is currently incarcerated facing several charges.

The 27-year-old will see charges of three felony counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer, fleeing, obstruction, and entering a structure to do damage.

Zavala Velasquez has pleaded guilty to torturing an animal and assault and battery back in 2024 in Frederick County court and now faces a revoked probation.

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