STAFFORD, Va. — According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, arrests were made in two separate incidents related to public drunkenness at local fast-food restaurants over the weekend.

On Saturday, August 17, officers responded to reports of intoxicated individuals at both Burger King and McDonald’s in Stafford County. The first incident occurred around lunchtime at the Burger King on Kings Highway.

According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy SA Hensley was called after a man was observed stumbling around in the parking lot, nearly walking into oncoming traffic. Upon arrival, Deputy Hensley observed several signs of intoxication and found the man with an empty vodka bottle.

The man was arrested and charged with public intoxication before being taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was held until he sobered up.

Later that evening, Deputy AJ Charoenthep responded to a call at a McDonald’s on Ferry Road after receiving reports that an employee was causing a disturbance.

Staff reported that the 19-year-old employee became aggressive when asked to leave the premises. Officers observed that the individual was showing signs of intoxication and had alcohol on him despite being underage. The employee was arrested and charged with public intoxication and possession of alcohol as a minor. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on $500 bail.

Both incidents underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating public drunkenness among the population.

STAFFORD, Va. — A 26-year-old Stafford man faces several charges after leading police on a brief chase in an allegedly drunken situation late Saturday night, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The incident began when the suspect, identified as Ellis Murdaugh, ran a red light on Courthouse Road near the I-95 on-ramp at about 11:35 p.m.

Sergeant ML Jacobeen noticed the traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop at the next light. However, Murdaugh ignored the request and drove off as soon as the sergeant exited his vehicle. A chase ensued, during which Deputy JJ Holetzky joined in the effort to apprehend the driver.

The pursuit ended when Murdaugh pulled into the parking lot of a McDonald’s on Wonder Road, where he was arrested without further incident. Authorities determined that Murdaugh was driving with a suspended license and exhibited signs of intoxication. In addition, suspected controlled substances were found in his vehicle.

Murdaugh has been charged with a number of offenses, including driving under the influence, possession with intent to resell, fleeing police, and several traffic violations. He is currently being held without bail at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

“These charges reflect the seriousness of the incident,” said a statement from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, which highlighted the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement.

SELBYVILLE, Delaware — According to Delaware State Police, a Selbyville man was arrested for aggravated menacing after allegedly threatening another man with a knife in Dagsboro on Sunday evening.

Officers responded to a report of a disorderly person in the 30000 block of Peppers Creek Road around 5:25 p.m. Sunday. When they arrived, they spoke with a 44-year-old man who claimed Matthew Mitchell, 47, had slashed the tires of his truck and threatened him with a knife. The incident reportedly occurred after the victim’s truck allegedly tailgated Mitchell’s vehicle on Vines Creek Road.

According to the Delaware State Police, the argument escalated when the victim got out of his vehicle. Mitchell is accused of grabbing the victim and threatening her with a knife.

The victim was not physically injured in the altercation.

Mitchell was taken into custody and transported to Squad 4 where he was charged with aggravated menacing and other related offenses. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace of the 3rd Judicial District and subsequently remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $16,300 bail.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.