University of Mary Washington Police

Congratulations are in order for former recruit - now Officer- L. Martinez! After months of training, tests, practical exams, and skills checks, OFC Martinez graduated today from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Basic Class #175. He will be returning to campus in July to begin Field Training after a well deserved vacation with his family. Please take the time to say hello when you see him later this Summer and into the Fall!

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡

On June 3, 2026, at approximately 5:32 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department responded to a series of tragic events that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two juveniles with minor injuries.

Officers were dispatched following reports of shots fired, believed to be connected to a domestic incident. Initial investigation indicates that a male driver was pursuing a female driver in separate vehicles along Olde William and Emancipation Highway. During the pursuit, the male suspect began shooting rounds from a firearm at the female’s vehicle.

The female driver, attempting to evade the suspect, crashed her vehicle in the area of College Avenue and Emancipation Highway. Officers quickly arrived at the crash scene, provided emergency aid, and the female was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Two juveniles, ages 7 and 3 years old, were in the vehicle at the time and sustained minor injuries from the crash, not from gunfire.

As officers arrived at the crash location, the suspect vehicle was observed attempting to flee. Officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. As the pursuit approached Wilderness Lane, the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No rounds were fired by police.

The deceased were the parents of both juveniles, who are currently being reunited with family.

There are no outstanding suspects at this time. Evidence collection will continue into the evening as there are multiple crime scenes. Additional details will not be released.

The Fredericksburg Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.

# # #

🎓 UMW Class of 2026 — Congratulations! 🎓
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at UMW have built a strong foundation for your future. Embrace new challenges with confidence and resilience—every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and every success reflects your hard work and determination.
As proud members of the UMW community, you carry forward more than academic achievements. You take with you the values that define UMW—integrity, respect, and a commitment to service. Let these guide you as you navigate the world beyond campus.
Stay connected with one another. Your classmates are not just friends, but future collaborators, mentors, and supporters. Build those relationships, seek guidance when you need it, and always be willing to lend a hand along the way.
Most importantly, take care of yourselves—spiritually, physically, and mentally. Prioritizing your well‑being will empower you to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.
We wish you nothing but success in your future adventures. Know that the UMW Police Department will always be here, cheering you on from the sidelines.
👏 Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go out there and make a difference in the world. 💙🦅
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau

UMWPD gets to congratulate one of our own at Commencement 2026! Recruit Luis Martinez-Robeldo received his UMW diploma today ahead of his impending graduation from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy next month. We couldn't be prouder of him and eagerly await his return to campus to start his training! Chief Hall and Deputy Chief Gill took the opportunity to show their support and congratulate our new officer.

Setup for the 2026 Commencement ceremony is complete. Now we wait for the Class of 2026 to take the stage tomorrow!

🎧 **Honoring the Voices Behind the Radio**

Behind every siren, every patrol car, and every emergency call at the **University of Mary Washington**, there is a calm, steady voice guiding the way.

This week, we are celebrating our incredible **Telecommunications Officers**! Often called the "invisible first responders," these professionals are the true heartbeat of campus safety. While you see our officers out on the bricks, our dispatchers are working tirelessly behind the scenes 24/7 to ensure help gets exactly where it needs to be.

**The Lifeline of Public Safety**
The field of emergency dispatch is one of high stakes and immense skill. Across the country and right here at UMW, these officers serve as the vital link in the chain of survival. Their work involves:

* **Coordinating Rapid Response:** They are the critical bridge between a caller in distress and the officers in the field.
* **Maintaining Calm in Chaos:** They provide life-saving instructions over the phone while simultaneously navigating complex radio frequencies.
* **Constant Vigilance:** From monitoring fire alarms to security systems, they keep a watchful eye on our entire Eagle community, even when the rest of the campus is asleep.

**A Message to Our Team**
To our UMW dispatchers: Thank you for your precision, your empathy, and your unwavering dedication. You are the first point of contact during someone’s most difficult moments, and your professionalism ensures that our officers—and our students—stay safe every single day.

We are proud to have the best behind the headset.

# # 🏀 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! 🦅

History has been made in Fredericksburg! A massive congratulations to the **UMW Men’s Basketball** team on capturing the **NCAA Division III National Championship!**

This is a monumental milestone—the first national championship in UMW history. Our campus community has watched your relentless hard work, discipline, and grit all season long, and seeing it culminate in this victory is an inspiration to us all.

You’ve shown what it means to be an Eagle: pushing boundaries, staying focused, and supporting one another until the final buzzer. The UMW Police Department is incredibly proud of your achievement and the positive light you’ve shone on our university.

Enjoy this historic moment, team. You’ve earned it!

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹

The Fredericksburg Police Department are investigating three recent sexual assault incidents that occurred along the Canal Path and Heritage Trail.

The first sexual battery occurred along the Canal Path on March 19, 2026. The suspect in this assault approached a female, grabbed her buttocks, and then fled on foot. The suspect in this case is described as a male, approximately 5’10”, between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build.

The second sexual battery occurred along the Heritage Trail on March 23, 2026. The suspect in this assault approached a female, grabbed her buttocks, and then fled on foot. The suspect in this case is described as a male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01”, with a medium build.

The third sexual battery occurred along the Heritage Trail on March 25, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m. The suspect in this assault approached a female, grabbed her buttocks, and then fled on foot. The suspect in this case is described as a male, possibly Hispanic, approximately 5’07”, with short black hair. This investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed these assaults or may have surveillance footage from the area or surrounding areas is urged to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department immediately. Fredericksburg Police Detectives are working diligently to investigate this incident and will continue to use all resources possible to bring justice to this situation.

The Fredericksburg Police Department also continues to investigate a sexual assault that occurred on October 19, 2025, at approximately 9:00 pm on the canal path between Washington Avenue and Emancipation Highway near Cossey Pond. The suspect is this case is described as a male, approximately 5’04’’ – 5’05’’, medium build, possibly Middle Eastern, Hispanic or Indian.

The Fredericksburg Police Department takes these incidents very seriously and will be increasing patrols along the canal path while remaining committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens. We remind community members to stay vigilant while walking or exercising outdoors, especially after dark, and to promptly report any suspicious activity. When walking at night and in areas that are not well lit, it is always good practice to walk with a friend. Keep one ear free if listening to music, and always carry a charged phone. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs resources or support, please contact the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) at rcasa.org or call their 24/7 hotline at (540) 371-1666.

To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. To download the app, search “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store.

UPDATE:
We understand the community’s concern and the desire for immediate information, especially involving serious crimes like these.

The first reported incident occurred on March 19, followed by additional reports on March 23 and March 25. During these early stages, information was limited, and officers worked with each victim to gather and confirm facts. As additional cases were reported, investigators identified a potential pattern. Investigators worked quickly to gather facts and determine whether the incidents were connected.

Releasing unconfirmed details can risk compromising the investigation, so law enforcement must carefully weigh the release of information in the interest of public safety.

Once investigators identified a potential pattern and had reliable information to share, we notified the public on March 25. Our goal is always to provide timely information while ensuring accuracy and protecting the integrity of the investigation.

The community will notice increased police presence along the paths and trails in the City, and a mobile surveillance platform in the area since March 23. We remain committed to transparency and to keeping our community informed as more information becomes available.