Three North Carolina residents were charged with multiple game and hunting violations in connection with a recent incident in Claudville, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.
He said the incident began at 3 a.m. on Nov. 21 when Rob Martin, an off-duty deputy, heard shots being fired near his home. Another area resident also heard the shots and called the 911 Dispatch Center.
Martin immediately signed on duty and began patrolling the area, Smith said, adding that Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Game Warden Dale Owens also was contacted and responded to the scene to assist.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Martin and Owens located an alleged suspect vehicle on Pedigo Ridge Road and conducted a traffic stop, Smith said. A subsequent investigation led to the recovery of two deer that allegedly were shot from the vehicle. Authorities also seized a rifle allegedly used in the incident.
Owens charged three: Charles C. Crandall, 27, of Pilot Mountain, N.C.; Alexis M. Crandall, 26, Pilot Mountain, N.C.; Ranferi Ramirez, 26, Mt. Airy, N.C., with multiple game violations, including spotlighting deer with a weapon and shooting from a vehicle, according to Smith.
All were cooperative and released of a summons awaiting a Jan. 22 trial in Patrick County General District Court, Smith said.
He added that the illegal spotlighting of deer has been a chronic problem in the county for decades, and he urges anyone with information on those who participate in the unlawful activity to confidentially contact him at (276) 692–7012 or the Department of Wildlife Resources at 1–800–237–5712.
The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office also reported the following arrests:
Barry Watson Shough, 53, of Patrick Springs, was charged Nov. 18 with violation of home electronic incarceration. Deputy Mark Sowder was the arresting officer.
Brandon Loren Towe, 26, address unavailable, was charged Nov. 20 with probation violation. Deputy C.A. Combs was the arresting officer.
Michael Ray Richardson, 48, of Stuart, was charged Nov. 20 with fail to comply with bond conditions. Deputy C.L. Elgin was the arresting officer.
Sherry Lee Stowe, 46, address unavailable, was charged Nov. 20 with a fail to appear. Deputy N.A. Wolfe was the arresting officer.
Amanda Lee Dick, 36, of Mt. Airy, N.C., was charged Nov. 21 with a drive while intoxicated. Deputy C. Gilbert was the arresting officer.
Lori Hollandsworth Blais, 30, of Bassett, was charged Nov. 21 with probation violation. Deputy N.A. Wolfe was the arresting officer.
Samantha Michelle Rowe, 26, address unavailable, was charged Nov. 22 with drive while intoxicated. Deputy C.L. Elgin was the arresting officer.
David Edward Gunter, 44, of Hillsville, was charged Nov. 22 with drive while intoxicated. US Park Ranger D. Ballinger was the arresting officer.
Brandon Duane Belton, 33, of Martinsville, was charged Nov. 24 with a fail to appear. Sergeant J.D. Lewis was the arresting officer.
Odell Carlin Quesenberry Jr., 49, of Fancy Gap, was charged Nov. 25 with reckless driving and ignoring a law enforcement command. Deputy R.S. Martin was the arresting officer.
