Off-Duty Federal Officer Fatally Shoots 61 year old Neighbor in Stafford County -

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March 4, Virginia: A 61-year-old resident of Stafford County, Virginia, was fatally shot during a confrontation involving an off-duty federal law enforcement officer on the evening of February 28, 2025.

The incident began around 6:35 p.m. in the Stratford Place subdivision when an off-duty federal officer confronted a motorcyclist who was reportedly driving recklessly on a blue-and-white off-road motorcycle along North Jenny Lynn Road. Neighbors observed the motorcyclist revving the engine, performing wheelies, and speeding through the otherwise quiet neighborhood.

Following the initial confrontation, the motorcyclist left but returned shortly with two family members. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and stopped the group in a white Lincoln near the intersection of North Jenny Lynn Road and Cross Cut Lane. The three individuals—identified as Nicolas Vazquez, 20; Angel Vazquez, 21; and Xavier Vazquez, 46—began causing a disturbance involving both the deputies and the off-duty federal officer, who remained in the area.

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As deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, the encounter escalated into a physical altercation. During this disturbance, a 61-year-old male resident from a nearby home approached the scene and became involved. At some point during the altercation, the federal law enforcement officer’s firearm discharged, striking the 61-year-old resident in the chest. The victim was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that night.

Additionally, one deputy sustained minor injuries after being grazed by the bullet. Notably, none of the deputies at the scene discharged their weapons during the incident.

In the aftermath, Nicolas, Angel, and Xavier Vazquez were arrested and charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, assault by mob, conspiracy to commit a felony and obstruction. All three are being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

The identity of the federal law enforcement officer involved, as well as the specific agency they are affiliated with, has not been disclosed. As of now, no charges have been filed against the officer. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and has urged any witnesses or individuals with video footage of the incident or the motorcyclist’s earlier reckless driving to contact Detective Boyle at 540-658-4400.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased resident.”