A multi-agency investigation is underway into a series of window-shattering vandalism incidents spanning multiple jurisdictions in the northern Shenandoah Valley, including the Town of Front Royal and areas of Frederick and Warren counties.

The Front Royal Police Department said it is working in conjunction with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office on what authorities describe as related acts of vandalism that may involve the same suspect or suspects.

According to Front Royal police, four reports of vandalism have been received within the town limits to date. All four incidents are similar in nature and are believed to have occurred during the overnight hours of Jan. 31. Two of the incidents involved damage to business windows, and two involved vehicle windows. No injuries were reported in connection with those cases.

Preliminary investigation by Front Royal officers indicates the damaged windows were struck with a small metal ball bearing. The police department said it is actively investigating and encouraged anyone with information to contact Officer J.A. Grim by email at [email protected] or by phone at 540-635-2111.

Additional information is expected in a future release as the investigation progresses.

In a related case, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded Jan. 31 to the 5000 block of Main Street within the town limits of Stephens City for a report of a possible shooting into a dwelling. Upon arrival, deputies determined that unknown person or persons may have fired some type of projectile through a window of the building. Witnesses on scene were unable to provide descriptions of suspects or vehicles.

A review of video surveillance later showed the glass shattering at approximately 8:13 p.m. as a pickup truck was passing by, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said similar situations had been reported in Front Royal and Warren County and that a suspicious pickup truck also appeared to be in those areas at the time of the incidents.

The Front Royal Police Department was reportedly able to access license plate reader data and develop a possible suspect based on vehicle registration information. The suspect vehicle was linked to a Frederick County address. Law enforcement made contact attempts there but did not initially locate the truck or its registered owner.

Authorities obtained a search warrant for the suspect vehicle and the residence to which it was associated. However, before those warrants were executed on Feb. 2, the vehicle was located in motion and deputies made contact with the driver. The sheriff’s office said evidence of possible involvement in the vandalism incidents was found inside the vehicle, and the driver gave statements to investigators confirming his involvement.

Officials said they believe additional individuals may also be involved in the series of vandalisms, which may span as many as eight properties across four different jurisdictions.

As of now, no charges have been placed in Frederick County. The sheriff’s office said charging decisions are pending the completion of ongoing investigations by the Front Royal Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Strasburg Police Department. Because no charges have been filed, authorities said they are not releasing suspect information at this time.

The investigation remains active across all involved agencies. Anyone with information is urged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Information from releases. Edited by Dan McDermott.