u/hyperbolefxbg

According to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, multiple protective orders and mandatory reports preceded the murder of a Fredericksburg mother this past June. Law enforcement says that includes mandatory disclosures from two different healthcare workers about the suspect’s “homicidal ideations” towards the victim in the months preceding an ambush, vehicular pursuit and shooting across the city that left both dead.

Police say that one of those reports was made while the suspect was in custody at a mental health facility under a Temporary Detention Order just weeks before the incident.

That victim, 28 year-old Stephanie Myers, was murdered on June 3rd after allegedly being ambushed outside of her apartment building, then chased and shot in her vehicle at the corner of Emancipation Highway and College Avenue. The suspect in that murder is alleged to have been the estranged father of Myers’ two daughters, who were both in the car at the time of the incident.

According to the Fredericksburg Police Department, that suspect took his life shortly thereafter at the corner of Wilderness Lane and Lafayette Boulevard. That agency, which is currently investigating the case, has yet to release the names of either the suspect or victim, citing the active investigation.

The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office says it first became aware of the suspect’s potential threat towards Ms. Myers after it received the first mandatory report from a healthcare worker in November 2025. Police state that report alleged that the suspect expressed “homicidal ideations” towards Myers.

According to police, sheriff’s deputies spoke with Myers about the potential threat to her safety on December 1st, 2025, but that at that time she denied being in fear for her life.

Ms. Myers’ feelings for her own safety evidently changed sometime between December 2025 and February 2026, per a timeline provided by police.

On February 22, 2026, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says it served the suspect with an Emergency Protective Order from the City of Fredericksburg, with the department confirming the subject was Ms. Myers.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says that on April 20, 2026, the department received a second mandatory report from a healthcare worker at a mental health facility claiming that the suspect confessed to “homicidal ideations” about Ms. Myers while in custody under a Temporary Detention Order.

On April 24, 2026, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to serve the suspect with a different protective order from the City of Fredericksburg, but reported no contact at his Spotsylvania residence.

On May 2, 2026, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says that Myers contacted the department to inquire if the City of Fredericksburg protective order had been served to the suspect, but that the department had yet to make contact.

A hyperbole FOIA request to the Fredericksburg Police Department revealed that during the early morning hours on May 3, 2026, police responded to the area of Ms. Myers’ apartment complex for a reported “male outside, who possibly had a weapon, that needed to be served on outstanding civil paperwork.” 

Court documents show that the suspect was arrested by officers from the Fredericksburg Police Department for public intoxication and carrying a concealed weapon shortly before 3:00 AM on May 3rd. The criminal complaint states that the suspect was apprehended with a firearm in his hoody pocket, and that he was previously convicted of a similar offense in December of 2016.

The Fredericksburg Police Department confirmed that the source of the initial report was Myers.

hyperbole’s FOIA request also produced a second report that the Fredericksburg Police Department says is exempt from disclosure as it is an “open and active case.” The date and nature of that report is unclear.

Court records show that the suspect was released on $1,500 bail once he was “no longer intoxicated or release(d) to a responsible person as determined by the magistrate.”

On the court form titled "Checklist for Bail Determinations," a field prompts if the individual in question is "...likely to threaten, injure or intimidate a prospective witness, juror, victim or family or household member...".

That box was checked "no.”

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office timeline, deputies again attempted to serve the suspect with the City of Fredericksburg protective order on May 6, 2026. Again, no contact was reported at that Spotsylvania residence, according to police.

On May 12, 2026, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office says that the suspect was served with civil Junior and Domestic Relations District Court documents as they related to Ms. Myers. The department confirmed to hyperbole that the date for that court appearance was slated for June 4, 2026.

Myers was murdered on June 3rd.

This story will be updated with additional information shortly.

Fredericksburg stands with Israel.

Congressman Eugene Vindman was one of 33 Dmocratic lawmakers to vote in support of a Republican-backed measure to strip colleges and universities of federal funding should they engage in a boycotts or divestment of Israel.

Dubbed the “Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026,” H.R.4795 seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit the “nonexpressive commercial boycott of a major strategic partner of the United States.

The bill defines “major strategic partner” with the same language as the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014, a seven page document that outlines the strategic relationship between the two countries as it relates to defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, energy and more.

Israel is the only country named in the text of the bill.

H.R.4795 also ensures students are not “unreasonably obstructed” from participating academic programs in Israel. That includes teaching and cultural exchanges, joint research, study abroad programs and other opportunities, according to the bill’s text.

Colleges and universities would be required to obtain “institutional certifications” in the form of annual eligibility reviews. Each institution would have to submit certifications annually by July 31st to ensure that they are in compliance.

If found ineligible, institutions could lose federal funding in the first fiscal year thereafter, including any grants or assistance that was awarded in previous years.

How H.R.4795 would impact existing students’ access to financial aid should a university fail to obtain certification remains unclear.

“This legislation has true teeth and completely severs any possibility of taxpayer support of these concrete campaigns of antisemitism in the form of BDS and academic boycotts of Israel,” wrote Virginia Foxx, who sponsored the bill.

“The Senate should take it up immediately!”

Congressman Vindman did not respond to questions or requests for comment.

Vindman joined all but two Republicans in supporting H.R.4795, while Thomas Massie (Kentucky) and Warren Davidson (Ohio) both opposed the measure. It passed the House 237-169 last Thursday.

When it comes to constituents on local campuses, students won’t have the opportunity to ask Congressman Vindman about his own opinions, as he will be skipping a candidate debate held at the University of Mary Washington next Tuesday.

“He was invited to participate, but he declined,” a university spokeswoman told hyperbole.

American nonprofit Open Secrets currently lists Vindman’s pro-Israel donations at $60,000.

He is up for reelection on November 3rd.

Additional charges have been filed in last week's fatal shooting of Fredericksburg teen Oscar Mejia.

Emmanuel Killeen, 24, of Fredericksburg has now been charged with first degree murder and the use of a firearm in commission of a felony (1st degree), according to the Fredericksburg Police Department. Previously named a "person of interest" in the shooting, Killeen was originally charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

According to a Monday afternoon press release, additional evidence and witness interviews led to the additional charges.

Family and friends held a vigil for Mejia at the scene of his murder last Thursday evening. A visitation will be held at Agape Life Services tonight from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM before he is laid to rest tomorrow afternoon.

The Fredericksburg Police Department has a "person of interest" in Wednesday night's homicide in Bragg Hill, according to a Thursday afternoon press release.

Emmanuel Killeen, 24, of Fredericksburg is facing two charges of carrying a concealed weapon and is currently held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, law enforcement says.

The victim in that shooting was Oscar Ruiz Mejia Jr., 19, of Fredericksburg. Police say that his family has been notified.

The press release states officers arrived on the scene shortly after 11:10 PM to encounter a deceased adult male with multiple gunshot wound. A description of a single suspect was obtained from witnesses and officers were able to identify a suspect in possession of two handguns nearby, police say.

Police are still asking for the public's help. Anyone with information or camera footage between 10:30 PM and 12:00 AM between June 24th and 25th is encouraged to contact police at (540) 373-3122 (option 2).

The investigation remains ongoing.

At least one individual is dead and another in custody after a reported shooting in Bragg Hill late Wednesday night.

The Fredericksburg Police Department says it is investigating a shooting in the 200 block of Ivanhoe Court after a reported shooting.

On the scene, officers were scene investigating an area in one of the adjacent alleys near a white sheet.

Police say at least one subject has been detained.

Anyone with footage or information is encouraged to contact the department immediately at (540) 373-3122 (option 2).

Should local homeless children be housed with high-barrier individuals, or those with violent criminal convictions, untreated substance addictions and serious mental health conditions?

That question was at the center of “discussions” last year between the Fredericksburg City Council and the Thurman Brisben Shelter, the region’s oldest and largest emergency homeless shelter.

A year later, it’s still not clear what the answer is.

The Thurman Brisben Center has served Fredericksburg and the surrounding area since it was originally formed in the late 1980s by a half-dozen area churches. Initially a nights-only cold weather shelter, the organization would eventually open an 80-bed facility in Ward 4’s Fredericksburg Industrial Park approximately two decades ago.

Last spring, the Fredericksburg City Council decided to “zero out,” or remove the Thurman Brisben Shelter’s $40,000 funding from its annual budget after continued criticism that the facility was being underutilized, allegations which have been levied at the organization since the COVID pandemic. Last year the shelter had also withdrawn its membership from the George Washington Regional Commission’s Continuum of Care, the group that oversees the region’s federal homeless response and funding.

In a work session on April 8, 2025, at-large Councilwoman Janaan Holmes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Fredericksburg City Public Schools, suggested that the city reallocate the nonprofit’s annual funding to other homelessness programs at the GWRC, noting that their withdrawal from the CoC left the city nothing with which to “vet” their programs.

“The City doesn’t really have a homeless shelter. And we need one,” Holmes said at last year’s work session.

Fellow at-large councilman Will Mackintosh followed Holmes by noting that that “a lot” of the restrictions the city originally negotiated in the Thurman Brisben Center’s special use permit, which allows them to operate their facility, were “shaping the way they approach their programs.”

Mackintosh added that council should communicate with the Thurman Brisben Center about the shelter meeting the city’s needs.

How that conversation took place is a source of contention.

On April 28, 2025, City Manager Tim Baroody, Mayor Kerry Devine and Councilwoman Janaan Holmes met with staff of the Thurman Brisben Center at their facility in the Industrial Park. That meeting included the nonprofit’s CEO, David Cooper, who detailed the meeting in a press release written on June 3, 2025.

According to that memo, that meeting included a discussion about the Thurman Brisben Center potentially lowering admissions barriers and housing chronically homeless individuals with “serious mental health conditions, untreated substance addictions, and / or violent criminal convictions.”

When staff at the Thurman Brisben Center made it clear that wasn’t possible, Cooper wrote that the city said it would “compel” those changes by potentially making changes to the shelter’s special use permit.

That permit explicitly states “no person with a violent or sexual history shall be permitted to stay within the shelter.”

After this was pointed out, Cooper says City Manager Tim Baroody replied, “We’ll have our city attorney take a look at this.”

News of the meeting between the Thurman Brisben Center and city leadership was originally reported by Inform Fredericksburg last May.

Inform Fredericksburg learned of the alleged pressure by the city not from staff at the Thurman Brisben Center, but from an adjacent organization with similar concerns about the facility potentially lowering admission barriers.

That organization could not be reached for comment. Neither Mayor Devine or Councilwoman Holmes responded to questions or requests for comment.

Holmes did talk to the FXBG Advance last summer, telling the publication the decision to reallocate funds from the Thurman Brisben Center wasn’t a decision she took lightly.

“I knew that there would probably be backlash, and I talked to every single Council member, Holmes told editor Martin Davis on June 8, 2025.

“I talked with anyone who touches the lives of unhoused people,” Holmes stated.

The Continuum of Care’s Samantha Shoukas told hyperbole in an email in last June that the Board had “not taken a stance on housing individuals with untreated mental illness and/or criminal records alongside families with children.” The CoC would not comment on the city’s discussion with the Thurman Brisben Center.

hyperbole met with Cooper shortly after his meeting with Mr. Baroody, Mayor Devine and Councilwoman Holmes.

Cooper stated that the shelter wanted a “positive relationship” with the city and that the Thurman Brisben Center had always complied with the special use permit as originally agreed upon with the city more than 20 years ago.

With regards to criticism about capacity, Cooper noted that an additional full-time case manager would allow the Thurman Brisben Center to expand to 60 occupants. Adding two full-time case managers would get the facility to full capacity.

The city made no offers to restore either full or partial funding during that meeting, according to Thurman Brisben Center staff.

Cooper noted several incidents involving violence and substance abuse around children that occurred in the early 2000s, instances that prompted the very changes the city was now calling into question.

hyperbole asked Cooper about the nature of the city’s request for lower barriers followed by it referencing potential changes to the special use permit.

Cooper called it an “inferred threat.”

When prompted for how the organization would respond to forced revisions and a potential shutdown over its special use permit from the city, Cooper shrugged.

“We’re not waiting with bated breath for anything,” he replied.

Cooper made it clear that the shelter, which is predominately privately funded, would not operate under any conditions that could potentially endanger its residents.

After the city’s meeting at the Thurman Brisben Shelter, hyperbole also reached out directly to City Manager Tim Baroody for clarification.

“I thought the meeting was highly productive, direct on both sides and not threatening on either,” Baroody replied in an email to both hyperbole and Cooper.

“David (Cooper) was very clear that to return to an 80 bed occupancy, Thurman Brisben would need more funding to support one new position.”

Neither lower barriers or changes to the shelter’s special use permit materialized as a result of the city’s discussions with the Thurman Brisben Center.

Several months later, the issue was revisited by Fredericksburg Main Street, a non-profit that represents business owners and residents in downtown Fredericksburg.

That organization wrote a letter to council on August 26, 2025 to commend it on “addressing the complex challenges facing our community.”

“We deeply appreciate the City’s ongoing efforts to provide support and resources where they are most needed,” the letter stated.

“This includes increased funding for organizations like Loisann’s Hope House, sustained collaboration with Micah Ministries and the Continuum of Care, and important conversations with the Thurman Brisben Center to encourage expanded access to temporary shelter,” it continued.

That letter, authored by Fredericksburg Main Street President Bart Goldberg, was written just weeks after Fredericksburg Main Street received $50k in additional public funding, including an initial $25k from the Fredericksburg City Council followed by another $25k from the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority.

Those additional allocations were made on top of the $100,000 that Fredericksburg Main Street already receives annually from the City of Fredericksburg budget.

The letter of support from Fredericksburg Main Street was read aloud by Mayor Devine during a work session on August 26th, the same day it was written. The city posted the note on its Facebook page a week later.

Fredericksburg Main Street did not respond to multiple questions or requests for comment. hyperbole’s questions to the City and EDA regarding that letter also went unaddressed.

Homelessness has been a challenge for downtown business and residents alike in recent years, particularly since the pandemic.

The Fredericksburg EDA itself previously floated the idea of housing downtown homeless immediately and “for as long as possible” in the summer of 2024.

At that time, former EDA Chair Beth Black told hyperbole that homelessness in the downtown community was at a “critical stage” for their businesses.

“Business owners are openly voicing concerns about safety for their guests, safety for their staff, panhandling, disturbances and drug use,” Black wrote in an email.

“They tell us it’s impacting their businesses and it’s the EDA’s job to do as much as we can to make sure they can operate a business here with pride and comfort.”

The EDA’s homeless housing initiative failed to gain a second motion before being folded into a Business Relations committee.

While it was defunded for 2026, the outlook is looking a little more flush for the Thurman Brisben Center next year: the Fredericksburg City Council has restored the organization’s requested funding of $40,000 in next year’s budget.

Fredericksburg Public Information Officer Sonja Cantu told hyperbole in March of this year that the recommendation for funding includes a condition for “regular engagement” with the CoC.

That news came as a surprise to staff at the Thurman Brisben Center, who recently welcomed new CEO David Kissleback after Cooper retired this past April. The shelter was not aware of any changes to the city’s funding of the shelter or potential conditions regarding the CoC.

One source told hyperbole that the 2027 funding allocation for the Thurman Brisben Center would trigger more “discussions” between the shelter and the city.

Cantu would not address whether or not the city had a policy on housing children with high-barrier homeless, deferring those questions to the Fredericksburg CoC.

In an update late last month, the CoC’s Sam Shoukas confirmed the CoC hasn’t yet adopted a formal policy on the matter.

“Placement and operational decisions are determined by individual providers in compliance with applicable regulations, program requirements, and funding restrictions.”

A year later and the city is back where it started.

The question as to whether or not local homeless children with high-barrier homeless doesn’t have a definitive answer.

And instead of the Thurman Brisben Center, the region’s high-barrier homeless are headed to Bragg Hill.

One of Fredericksburg's oldest family-owned businesses is celebrating Friday's #NationalDonutDay with a big giveaway.

Paul's Bakery has announced it will give away a year worth of donuts to one person in line at 5:30 AM on Friday, June 5th for #NationalDonutDay. That randomly selected individual will win a dozen donuts every Saturday the bakery is open for one whole year.

The business states that the individual must be present in line to win the prize.

On #NationalDonutDay, everyone walks away a winner: the business is giving away one free donut (no purchase necessary, limit one per person).

Paul's Bakery is located at 2008 Lafayette Boulevard and is open 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

Two people are dead following a domestic-related vehicular pursuit, shooting and crash in Fredericksburg, according to police.

The Fredericksburg Police Department says the initial investigation indicates that a male driver was pursuing a female driver along Olde William Street and Emancipation Highway before firing shots at her vehicle.

Attempting to evade the male driver, police say the female crashed her vehicle in the area of College Avenue and Emancipation Highway. Officers arrived on scene and administered first aid to the female before she was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately, she has since been pronounced deceased, according to law enforcement.

Two juvenile girls, age 7 and 3 years old, were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting and sustained minor injuries from the crash, police say.

Arriving officers attempted a traffic stop on the suspect but he was able to flee the scene. Law enforcement says the suspect led them on a pursuit to Wilderness Lane off of Lafayette Boulevard before that individual sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both deceased individuals were the parents of the juveniles involved in the incident, according to police. No other suspects are being sought at this time.

Police say they will continue their investigation but will not be releasing any additional details.

📌 Update (06/03/26 at 10:12 PM): The Fredericksburg Police Department provided the following statement:

"The Fredericksburg Police Department would like to provide additional detail regarding the female victim's injuries. Investigators determined she sustained multiple gunshot wounds before crashing the vehicle. This information is intended to provide further context and does not affect the facts previously released."

Faded and Company is planning one gargantuan giveback in the form of the Funding Futures: 24-Hour Fade-A-Thon this Monday.

The local barbershop will be providing haircuts morning, noon and night to raise money for barber education scholarships benefitting local at-risk youth.

The Fade-A-Thon offers a “pay-what-you-can” model, meaning the suggested donation is between $25 and $45. A standard haircut is $45.

As is tradition, those in need will receive their cuts for free.

Barber and business owner Antoine Carey says that the idea for the 24-Hour Fade-A-Thon came from the “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” telethons from the 80s.

“I wanted to hold someone’s attention for a worthy cause.”

The first ever Fade-A-Thon will field ten stations staffed by eight barbers and two stylists working six hour shifts.

Carey’s team of clippers are aiming for the Guinness Book of World Records, which is 681 haircuts in 24 hours.

“We’re looking for 700 people.”

The first-ever Fade-A-Thon will take place from Monday, June 1st at 10:00 AM through 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2nd at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the location where the barbershop already gives free haircuts on the first and third Mondays of every month.

For questions about space or sponsorships, visit fadedfoundation.org or contact info@fadedfoundation.org.

One individual is in the hospital after a reported robbery at a downtown business, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Police say that two masked men entered the establishment and held three other individuals at gunpoint before assaulting them.

One suspect is described as wearing white and red gloves, grey or black hoodie, black pants, white shoes and a white mask. The description of the other suspect is unknown.

At approximately 9:15 PM, a call for a reported shooting was received in the 600 block of Kenmore Avenue in downtown Fredericksburg. Upon arrival on the scene, the call was downgraded to injuries sustained by assault, with one individual appearing to suffer a head injury. That person is on their way to a local hospital for treatment.

Officers with the Fredericksburg Police Department were observed entering the second story of the building with weapons drawn before exiting the property. A K9 unit canvassed several of the adjacent properties before the area in front of the business was searched and sectioned off with crime scene tape.

This story is developing and will be updated with details as they become available.

Second amendment sanctuary? Spotsylvania Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey has stated he will not prosecute cases stemming from the recent firearm legislation signed by Governor Spanberger.

In a press release last Thursday, Mehaffey wrote that newly-passed bills for an Assault Weapons Ban (SB 749 / HB217) and Public Carry Ban (SB 727 / HB1524) were “inconsistent” with the Second Amendment.

Among the changes those new bills outline include the banning of future sale, transfer, import or manufacturing of “assault firearms” and a prohibition on carrying or transporting firearms with magazine capacities over 15 rounds on public property.

“These laws are unconstitutional and cannot be lawfully enforced,” wrote Mehaffey.

Seeking clarification, hyperbole contacted Mehaffey last Friday and asked if he planned on prosecuting cases stemming from the new laws, which take effect on July 1st.

“No, criminal charges brought under the new assault weapons or public carry bans, if they were ever brought by any law enforcement agency in Spotsylvania County, could not be lawfully maintained and I would dismiss the charges in discharge of my constitutional duty,” replied Mehaffey the following day.

“The U.S. and Virginia Constitutions are the supreme law of the land, and these new bans in the Code of Virginia are inconsistent with Constitutional law - they are unconstitutional and cannot be lawfully enforced.”

In his May 15th statement, the Spotsylvania CA and former Marine provided additional background on the AR-15, “the most popular rifle in America,” and its derivation from the M4A1 carbine as the military’s primary basic infantry weapon.

Additionally, Mehaffey’s memo cited three rulings to support his conclusions:

US v. Miller (1939), which states citizens have the right to possess weapons with “some reasonable relationship” to a well-regulated militia.

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), a case securing the rights of citizens to possess firearms that are in “common use” for lawful purposes, including self-defense.

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), a ruling that decided that firearm restrictions must be consistent with the country’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation.

“In the historical tradition of Virginia, the law not only permitted but required its citizens to arm themselves with the instruments of basic infantrymen - a musket and 20 rounds - for service in the militia,” Mehaffey asserted.

“The Assault Weapons Ban and the Public Carry Ban are undoubtley inconsistent with the historical tradition of Virginia,” concluded Mehaffey.

hyperbole contacted the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office to inquire if the department planned on enforcing the new firearm-related bills.

"We received Mr. Mehaffey’s letter regarding SB749/HB217 and SB727/HB1524, and we will wait to see whether any future litigation arises concerning these matters,” replied Major Liz Scott in an email.

“Should litigation occur, we will review developments at that time.”

hyperbole’s questions to the Fredericksburg, Stafford and King George Commonwealth’s Attorneys have hitherto received no response.

A Fredericksburg mother is warning others after she says an individual in a pink animal costume chased after her four children before attempting to grab one at a bus stop this past Thursday afternoon.

A neighbor is purported to have captured a photo of the individual, showing an individual wearing a pink animal costume with a red jacket and brown boots.

On Thursday, May 14th at approximately 4:30 PM, a resident says that two of her children were waiting at a bus stop for a pair of siblings around the 2200 block of Lafayette Boulevard when they spotted an individual wearing a pink animal costume staring at them from across the street.

Upon the arrival and departure of the school bus, the costumed individual is alleged to have crossed Lafayette Boulevard with the stoppage of traffic.

According to the mother, the individual is then alleged to have continued approaching the four children before attempting to chase them after they began running in the opposite direction. At one point in that pursuit, the individual is alleged to have attempted to grab one of the smaller children, according to the mother.

That mother states that one of the children reported seeing a man’s face beneath the costume, including facial hair, and stated that he appeared to have a tan complexion.

A report of the incident was made to police later Thursday evening. The mother states that Fredericksburg City Public School officials have the same photo of the alleged suspect and have distributed it to drivers for awareness.

Neither the Fredericksburg Police Department or Fredericksburg City Public Schools could immediately be reached for comment.

This story is developing and will be updated with additional details as they become available.

Area first responders rescued a pair of pets from a structure fire at a Fredericksburg apartment complex early Friday afternoon.

At approximately 12:30 PM, a call was received for a reported structure fire in the 600 block of Greenbrier Drive. The caller reported smoke emanating from an adjacent apartment unit, which was unoccupied at the time.

Units arrived on scene and reported an active fire in the unoccupied unit, as well as a cat and dog in need of securing. After a brief time on scene, the fire was brought under control. Animal control arrived shortly thereafter to take custody of the animals until the owner could be located.

Fredericksburg Fire Chief Michael Jones told hyperbole that three adults and the two pets are displaced as a result of the fire, which is under investigation by the Fire Marshall.

Friday afternoon’s incident echoed a similar response in January at the same complex where first responders rescued a number of house pets from a reported structure fire.