According to a media statement dated April 7, the Waynesboro Police Department arrested 26-year-old James J. Williams II of Waynesboro on 17 charges, including felonies and misdemeanors, stemming from a shooting incident and vehicle pursuit.
Waynesboro Police Officers responded to complaints of shooting in the 1200 block of Stayman Avenue on Sunday, April 6, around 3:53 a.m., which was thought to be related to a harassing incident involving known individuals.
Responding officers discovered four adult victims in a vehicle traveling north on South Delphine Avenue, near East Main Street.
The victims said that they were being actively followed and potentially shot at by a man named Williams II, who was pursuing them in his vehicle.
When officers attempted to stop Williams II, he drove away east on East Main Street at great speed. He hit two signs in the 1200 block before continuing on Interstate 64 westbound, where he slammed with a guardrail.
The pursuit continued through Nelson and Albemarle counties, with authorities using stop sticks that damaged one of the vehicle’s tires.
The chase ended in Fluvanna County, at the 15800 block of James Madison Highway. After exiting Interstate 64 and driving southbound, Williams II drove into a ditch and escaped on foot, but was captured soon and without incident.
Following the investigation of the shooting incident and the pursuit, Williams II was arrested and charged with several alleged offenses:
- 4 counts of § 18.2-286.1 (F) – Discharge a firearm from a vehicle as to create risk of injury of death;
- 4 counts of § 18.2-154 (F) – Maliciously shoot at an occupied vehicle;
- 4 counts of § 18.2-26/18.2-51.2 (F) – Attempted malicious wounding;
- 1 count of § 18.2-308.2 (F) – Convicted felon in possession of a firearm;
- 1 count of § 46.2-817 (F) – Eluding;
- 1 count of § 18.2-57.2- (M) – Assault & battery of a family or household member;
- 1 count of § 46.2-852 (M) – Reckless Driving;
- 1 count of § 46.2-896 (M) – Hit and Run.
The Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police Department, and Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office all assisted the Waynesboro Police Department throughout the pursuit. There were no reported injuries among the victims, only property damage.
Additional charges or similar investigations may be filed in other jurisdictions. No additional information is available at this time.
