Machete-Wielding Man Arrested After Assault, Barricade and Attack on K-9

Frank Lipka, IIIPhoto byRappahannock Regional Jail & SCSO

STAFFORD, Va. – What began as an attack on a roomate quickly escalated to a barricade situation and attempts to injure a police dog this past weekend. 

According to a media release from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the incidents occurred October 13, 2024.

At approximately 10:51 p.m., a SCSO deputy responded to the Garrisonville Road 7-Eleven for reports of an assault.The victim entered the store, seeking help, after being attacked at a nearby residence.    

The victim, who had sustained minor injuries, advised deputies that the assailant was his roomate, Frank Lipka III. During the altercation, Lipka had brandished a machete and damaged several items within the residence.  

When deputies proceeded to make contact with Lipka at his home, the man refused to comply with instructions and barricaded himself within the residence. 

In the early morning hours of October 14, members of the Crisis Negotiation Team were called to assist. Once on scene, they deployed a “throw phone” in an attempt to make contact with Lipka. However, he would not remain on the phone.  

With the barricade situation eventually at a standstill, members of the SWAT Team responded and developed a plan. 

The team, along with a SCSO sergeant and K-9 Titan made entry into the residence, but could not secure normal entry into the room where Lipka was hiding.The sergeant kicked open the interior door and deployed Titan for apprehension of the subject. Lipka, however, was able to slam the door shut on the K-9’s head.  

On a second attempt, Lipka again assaulted the dog. However, the K-9 was able to complete the apprehension as deputies forced their way into the room. Lipka was unsuccessful in his attempts to pry Titan off of him.  

Lipka was treated for the K-9 bite at a local hospital. He  was then charged with injuring a police K-9, animal cruelty, brandishing a machete, assault and battery, felony destruction of property, obstruction of justice, as well as, fleeing from law enforcement. 

He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

K-9 Titan was not seriously hurt.

According to online court records, Lipka is due to again appear in Stafford County General District Court on November 21.