Stafford, VA — What began as a routine traffic stop for expired tags and a missing inspection sticker turned into a multi-arrest bust when deputies discovered two wanted suspects and controlled substances inside a Toyota Camry on Monday night.
At approximately 7:59 p.m. on April 28, Sergeant B.U. Demirci and Deputy D.S. Jett pulled over a Toyota Camry on Chatham Heights Road after observing the vehicle with an expired registration, no inspection sticker, and a trunk that was tied shut with a cord. During the stop, deputies made contact with three occupants.
The driver, identified as Andre Bennett, 44, of King George, was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid license. The front-seat passenger, Tony Jones, 33, of Stafford, initially gave a false identity but was later identified and found to be wanted on a capias offense. The rear passenger, Selena Dowd, 20, of Spotsylvania, was also wanted for a felony probation violation.
Key points:
- Deputies stopped vehicle for expired registration, no inspection, and unsecured trunk
- Two occupants had outstanding warrants; one gave false ID
- Controlled substances were located during vehicle search
Deputies discover more than just vehicle violations
During the stop, a search of the vehicle uncovered suspected controlled substances. All three individuals were taken into custody.
Bennett was charged with possession of controlled substances, driving without a license, no inspection, and expired registration. He was booked at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $7,500 secured bond.
Jones was charged with possession of controlled substances, providing false identification to law enforcement, and identity theft to avoid arrest, in addition to being served on his outstanding warrant. He was held without bond.
Dowd was served on her felony probation violation warrant and was also held without bond.
Vehicle stop turns into coordinated arrest effort
The traffic stop on Chatham Heights Road quickly escalated into a coordinated arrest of three individuals, two of whom were already wanted. Deputies said the vehicle’s visibly unsafe condition and legal violations prompted the stop that ultimately revealed more serious charges.
All three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
A routine vehicle stop in South Stafford led deputies to uncover two fugitives and suspected drugs inside a visibly compromised Toyota Camry.