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Augusta County | Suspect flees after shots fired, schools secured as precaution

Jose Martinez-Cruz Lyndhurst shooting
Jose Martinez-Cruz

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in Lyndhurst early this morning after shots were fired at a residence.

No injuries were reported.

According to the ACSO, the suspect, Jose Martinez-Cruz, 41, of Stuarts Draft, fled the area before deputies responded to a residence on Blackford Way just before 7 a.m.

The suspect was located in Stuarts Draft a short time later. He was taken into custody without incident on View Drive.

Martinez-Cruz is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

He has been charged with the following offenses:

  • 18.2-279 (F) – Occupied building: maliciously shoot
  • 18.2-286.1 (F) – Shoot from a vehicle
  • 18.2-371.1 (F) – Six counts of abuse/neglect child: reckless disregard for life
  • 18.2-56.1 (M) – Recklessly handling of a firearm
  • 18.2-280 (M) – Shoot in public place, no bodily injury
  • 18.2-286 (M) – Shoot across road or street

Out of an abundance of caution, all Augusta County schools in Stuarts Draft were placed on a “secure” status while police searched for the suspect.

Lyndhurst augusta county sheriff accident police crash
© MargJohnsonVA

 




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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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