Virginia man arrested after brandishing firearm near local business

Virginia Man Arrested After Brandishing Firearm Near Local Business

HAYMARKET, V.A. — A Haymarket man is in custody after allegedly brandishing a firearm during an encounter with two young men on the evening of August 14.

The incident occurred in the 6300 block of John James Way, prompting a swift police response.

According to the investigation, the victims, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, were approached by an unknown individual, later identified as 26-year-old Christopher Lee Bradford Jr. During the encounter, Bradford reportedly brandished a firearm, leading the victims to seek safety inside a nearby business and contact the police.

Officers arrived on the scene and located Bradford, who was detained without incident. A firearm was recovered from a tree near where Bradford was apprehended. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported during the incident.

Bradford, who has a prior felony conviction, was arrested and charged with two counts of brandishing a firearm, one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Bradford is being held without bond, and a court date is pending as the investigation continues.

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