One observant deputy got two wanted birds with one stone in North Stafford early Wednesday morning.

On June 5th at approximately 1:04 a.m. Deputy X.D. Bates was patrolling the 2900 block of Richmond Highway when he decided to survey the 7-Eleven, located at 2998 Richmond Highway. While there Deputy Bates used an important piece of equipment called his eyes and observed a Dodge occupied by two males. He was able to recognize one of the suspects due to a previous incident. This suspect was wanted out of Stafford County for two capiases, possession of controlled substances, and driving with a revoked license, as well as, wanted by Virginia State Police on a felony warrant.

Considering the wanted status, Deputy Bates radioed for additional deputies. A high-risk stop was conducted and all the occupants were detained without incident. The other occupant originally observed within the vehicle was also discovered to be wanted. That suspect was wanted out of Stafford County for three capiases.

The suspect Deputy Bates recognized was puzzled at how he was discovered, and even referred to Deputy Bates as having an “eagle eye.” The eagle-eyed deputy transported both suspects to Rappahannock Regional Jail where they both were held without bond.

Those wanting to work with eagle-eyed Deputy Bates can apply today on our website at https://www.staffordsheriff.com/content/employment/currentpositions.cfm