A Surry County man faces multiple charges in connection with what James City County Police are calling a road rage incident.
Police say they and the James City County Fire Department each responded to reports of a shooting near Monticello Avenue and Greensprings Plantation Drive, which resulted in two individuals sustaining gunshot wounds.
Police say the shooting occurred as a vehicle carrying three occupants turned from Centerville Road onto Monticello as the suspect – identified as 44-year-old Joseph Adams of Surry – allegedly fired multiple shots from his vehicle into the victims’ vehicle before fleeing the scene. The victims’ vehicle came to a stop at the Monticello and Greensprings intersection, where first responders began lifesaving medical treatment.
Police tracked Adams’ vehicle to the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which was en route from Jamestown to Surry. The ferry was detained at the dock once it arrived on the Surry side, where Surry County Sheriff’s Office personnel arrived and took Adams into custody without incident.
Police say Adams was under the influence of alcohol.
One adult female who sustained life-threatening injuries from the shooting was airlifted to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. A juvenile was transported by ground to Riverside Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The third occupant of the victims’ vehicle was unharmed.
Adams was initially arrested on a charge of driving under the influence and transported to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. As of Oct. 6, he had been charged with two additional counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, five counts of reckless handling of a firearm, one count of driving under the influence, five counts of shooting at a vehicle, five counts of shooting from a vehicle and three counts of brandishing a firearm.
Police say several bystanders stopped to aid the shooting victims.
“Those individuals are highly commended for their courageous actions,” a James City County news release posted on Oct. 6 to the department’s Facebook page states. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for their vital assistance in apprehending the offender, to the Virginia State Police for assisting with traffic control, and to the James City County Fire Department for their swift medical response.”
Joe Maddox of Surry, whose wife was on the same ferry as the suspect, gave credit to the ferry crew for working with law enforcement to identify the suspect and vehicle. That day could otherwise have ended very differently, he said.
“The ferry crew played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement during this tense situation,” Maddox said. “Their quick thinking, effective communication, and ability to work as a cohesive team not only contributed to the successful apprehension of the suspect but also ensured the safety of ferry patrons during a potentially dangerous scenario. The actions of the ferry staff exemplify exceptional service and commitment to public safety. It is important that their efforts are recognized, as they not only kept the community safe but also demonstrated the spirit of teamwork and cooperation that is vital in emergency situations.”
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