High-Tech Chase: Drone and K-9 lead to arrest in Fauquier County domestic assault case

K-9 RemiPhoto byFauquier County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit

FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. – On August 22, 2023, at approximately 12:48 a.m, Fauquier County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) deputies were dispatched to an address on Willow Drive in Bealton regarding a domestic disturbance. A third-party caller reported that a female had been physically assaulted by a male at the residence.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the female victim. Deputies quickly determined that a male subject had physically assaulted the female, but had left the residence prior to deputies arriving on scene.

Discovering that the suspect had fled on foot, FCSO Deputy C. Acres, a licensed drone pilot, launched a drone while FCSO Corporal J. Arrington deployed K-9 Remi to conduct a track.

Dep. Acres observed Cpl. Arrington and K-9 Remi’s track using the drone footage and saw an individual walking in the direction of the K-9 track. Dep. Acres drove to the location of the individual and confirmed that the male matched the description of the suspect involved in the strangulation incident. Cpl. Arrington and K-9 Remi also located a wallet during the track, which contained government identification belonging to, and identifying, the subject.

The suspect, Robert Tibbs III, 33, of Vienna, was taken into custody without further incident. He was charged with Assault and Battery, Suffocation, and Unlawful Injury to Telephone Lines.

Tibbs is currently being held at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center with no bond. According to online court records, he is scheduled to appear at Fauquier County General District Court on August 23.

The incident remains under investigation.

Follow the Fauquier County Sheriffs Office on Facebook @FauquierCountySheriffsOffice. Follow the Fauquier County Sheriffs Office K-9 Unit @FauquierCountyK9.