Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Stafford standoff ends peacefully with suspect in custody

STAFFORD, Va. – A 65-year-old man was taken into custody Wednesday evening after a standoff with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team following reports of gunfire near his home.

Deputies responded around 7:11 p.m. to a shots fired call on Belle Plains Road after neighbors reported hearing yelling and multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, deputies saw a man outside the residence who ignored commands and ran back inside.

Key Points

Deputies responded to shots fired call on Belle Plains Road
SWAT team negotiated surrender of 65-year-old man
Suspect charged with firearm and obstruction offenses

Standoff and arrest

Deputies established a perimeter and identified the suspect as Gregory Pitts, a convicted felon. When repeated commands were ignored, the SWAT team was called in. After introducing a communication device into the home, Pitts eventually surrendered without further incident.

Swat team arrests stafford man after shots fired in belle plains — Photo: swat team arrests stafford man after shots fired in belle plains

Charges and custody

Pitts was charged with reckless handling of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News