STAFFORD, VA. — Two robbery suspects wanted across multiple jurisdictions were arrested Thursday after Stafford County deputies spotted the pair camping out near Woodland Drive, authorities said.
Claude Church Jr., 30, of Stafford, and Heather Harrison, 38, also of Stafford, were taken into custody by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit around 1:10 p.m. on April 24. Church was wanted on warrants from Loudoun County for two counts of violating pretrial conditions and from Fairfax County for robbery, malicious wounding, and abduction. Harrison was wanted in Fairfax for robbery and failure to return property.
Key Points:
- Claude Church Jr. and Heather Harrison arrested April 24 by Stafford deputies
- Both suspects wanted on robbery-related charges in Fairfax County
- Additional drug charges filed against Church after arrest
Deputies identify suspects by facial tattoos
First Sergeant J.D. Floirendo first spotted a man matching Church’s description resting inside a tent alongside a female companion. Deputies quickly responded to the scene and positively identified Church by his numerous face tattoos before taking both individuals into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, Church was found in possession of suspected controlled substances and drug paraphernalia during a search incident to his arrest. Both Church and Harrison were served with their outstanding warrants at the scene.
Suspects held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail
Following the arrests, Church received additional charges for possession of controlled substances and possession of paraphernalia. Both suspects were transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where they are being held without bond.
Authorities did not disclose the specific nature of the robbery and abduction charges pending against Church or Harrison but confirmed that both cases remain under investigation.
Arrest follows wanted bulletin and ongoing search
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office noted that deputies had been actively monitoring for the suspects after receiving a wanted bulletin highlighting the seriousness of the charges.