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Waynesboro: Homeless man gets into melee with bystanders; three officers injured

Crystal Graham
Justin Lee Hevener Waynesboro
Justin Lee Hevener

Three Waynesboro Police officers were injured after responding to an incident Sunday on East Main Street reported as a medical emergency.

Justin Lee Hevener, 26, with no fixed address, was arrested on charges of felony assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor property damage.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of East Main Street and Dupont Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers encountered Hevener engaged in a physical altercation with several bystanders.

Hevener attempted to flee as officers approached but struggled to maintain his balance.

The Waynesboro First Aid Crew was summoned to assess his condition. While awaiting their arrival, Hevener became combative with the responding officers.

During the incident, three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries. One officer was transported to Augusta Health for medical evaluation.

Hevener was also taken to Augusta Health for medical treatment before being arrested on the following charges:

  • 18.2-57(F): Assault and battery of a law enforcement officer
  • 18.2-137(M): Damage property valued less than $1,000

Hevener is currently being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

This incident remains under investigation.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she 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 on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.