Incidents

The Criminal Justice Services Board Executive Committee met on September 22 and 23, 2022 to discuss decertification appeals filed by several decertified Virginia police officers. The board voted to reinstate these officers.

The Criminal Justice Services Board Executive Committee meets bimonthly for two days to hear the appeals of decertified law enforcement officers, among its other duties.

"Fracker, Jacob M. Decertification Cause: 15.2-1707(A)-(1) Felony count- Conspiracy to Obstruct Official Proceeding."

Stephen Copp was off-duty driving a County vehicle when he was arrested in Stafford County for a DUI. The County vehicle was reportedly found to have front-end damage.

He was placed on administrative leave and subject to an Internal Affairs investigation.

"Robertson, Thomas. Decertification Cause: 15.2-1707(A)(i)- Sentenced to Multiple Felony Counts."

Note: Know this officer? Email us at openoversightva@riseup.net.

Jeffrey Payne, 41, of Falls Church was shot by undercover officer Sergeant Joshua Moser during a traffic stop. FCPD claimed no body camera footage was captured. Payne was unarmed. He was taken to the hospital and survived.

Kenneth Terry, Virginia State Trooper, was charged with the Class 1 Misdemeanor of 18.2-152.5 Computer Invasion of Privacy. Case was heard in the Culpeper General District Court. The case disposition was Dismissed but with Supervised Probation for 1 Year.

Fairfax County police officers were captured in a viral video pointing guns at unarmed teenagers outside an IHOP near Falls Church, Fairfax County.

Trooper Edward George shot and killed 26-year-old Aaron Lynch (or Jasper Aaron Lynch), a trans man, who was experiencing a mental health crisis in his own home. The shooting and its particularities (see links below) was widely considered a deep injustice and egregious act by law enforcement.

"'The officers attempted to de-escalate the situation with verbal commands inside the foyer of the home,” the FCPD said. “Lynch [allegedly] threw the mask at an officer and [allegedly] began to swing the bottle in a striking motion. Two officers attempted to utilize their Electronic Control Weapons. Lynch ran toward officers while swinging the bottle. One officer discharged his firearm, striking Lynch four times.'" (FFX Now, 07/2022)

Two FCPD officers shot and killed 37-year-old Christian Parker at Springfield Town Mall.

Newport News Police officers tased, punched, and dragged Lawrence Fenner out of his car in a violent attack, for which he stated in late 2022 that he soon plans to sue. Three officers were involved.

Oliver Holley was accused of assaulting Officer Onoratti, but body camera footage seems to indicate it was actually the other way around.

"A. The City of Richmond Police Department (“RPD”) agrees to memorialize a First Amendment policy in a General Order and will seek input from Plaintiffs, through counsel, with the ultimate policy being approved through RPD’s normal chain of command, and implement training once approved.

B. RPD will review its General Orders to determine which, if any, may be published on its website, in a fashion similar to Fairfax County, Virginia’s police department.

C. RPD will provide a status update to Plaintiffs’ counsel ninety (90) days from the date of this execution of this Release and Settlement Agreement, and on a continuing basis thereafter until all policies have been reviewed."

A complaint filed in Virginia Eastern District Court states: "On the 27th day of April Deputy James Merritte III told me to suck his [PROFANITY] in front of the hold unit and when on to say that he would suck mines too and if I needed anything for him to call me at [PHONE NUMBER]..."

The case, "Reed v Richmond City Justice Center" (Case No. 1:22-cv-00488-AJT-JFA) was filed by Troy Lamonte Reed on May 4, 2022 while incarcerated at Richmond City Justice Center.

Internal Affairs data shows that beginning on April 17, 2022, Danich was subject to investigation for "untruthfulness and violation of department policy." The investigation continued for nearly three weeks until on May 5, 2022, Sergeant Meeks concluded the inquiry. In a rare occurrence, WPD deemed the complaint against Danich to be "founded in part."

A court complaint against Richmond Police Officer Ryan J. Novak and several unnamed John Does alleges unlawful search and seizure. The complaint was filed in Virginia Eastern District Court by Bobby Boomer on October 11, 2023. It was assigned the case number 3:23cv650.

Warren County deputies pulled over 77-year-old Ralph Ennis on the morning of April 2, 2022 for "driving erratically and speeding". Body cam footage shows them slamming a confused Ennis into the back of his truck, and then tackling him.

NBC4 reports "Medics took Ennis to a hospital. Ennis’ wife Linda Ennis said doctors told her he had a brain bleed." He died 9 days later, on April 15.

"Linda Ennis said her late husband had recently begun struggling with dementia and was the subject of a Silver Alert in mid-March."

In April 2024, the deputies Zachary Fadely and Tyler Poe were charged with felony homicide.

Dantron Harris died in the custody of Sheriff Antoinette Irving at Richmond City Justice Center on March 28, 2022.