FRONT ROYAL — Four people have been arrested and charged following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a series of vandalism incidents that struck businesses, residences and vehicles in the Front Royal area, authorities said.
The investigation began after officers with the Front Royal Police Department responded around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31 to a report of vandalism at Vibrissa Beer, 122 E. Main St., where a projectile was fired through a window while the business was occupied, according to a police press release.
During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage and observed a suspect vehicle driving past the business at the time of the incident. The vehicle description was entered into an Automated License Plate Reader database, which led to the identification of the registered owner of a black 2016 Ford pickup truck registered to Brayden Eckert of Frederick County, police said.
Authorities learned the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a similar incident. Deputies contacted Eckert at his residence, where evidence indicating possible involvement was located in his vehicle, and he provided information confirming his involvement, according to the release.
To date, Front Royal police have received six reports of vandalism, including incidents involving two businesses, two residences and two vehicles. During the investigation, three additional suspects were identified and charged in connection with the incidents.
Those arrested and charged are:
- Brayden Eckert, 20, of Frederick County
- Nevin Jenkins, 20, of Front Royal
- Mason Lewis, 20, of Front Royal
- Madison Vickers, 19, of Stephens City
All four individuals were charged under Virginia law with three counts each of throwing a missile against an occupied dwelling, four counts each of destruction of property less than $1,000, and two counts each of destruction of property greater than $1,000, police said.
The Front Royal Police Department thanked the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Information from a release.
