Mason PD sends email to students regarding recent on-campus arrest

BY ALEXA TIRONI, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

This past Wednesday, Jan. 22, Mason students and staff received an email from campus police detailing the circumstances of a recent arrest on campus on Jan. 21. The arrest took place on York River Road off of Patriot Circle at 4:59 p.m.

The event began when Investigating Officer Thomas Volpe made a routine traffic stop for an expired registration; however, the suspect, a 24-year-old male, non-residential student, was then arrested and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Facility for possession of large amounts of cash, illegal drugs and a loaded handgun. 

The suspect faces a felony warrant for intent to distribute a controlled substance within a thousand feet of school and a misdemeanor warrant for possession of a concealed weapon without a concealed weapon permit. 

Mason PD Deputy Chief, Emily Ross, verified the marijuana in the suspects car and gave further detail regarding other materials in the vehicle. 

“There were other unidentified substances that were seized and are believed to be drug related, however, the substances have to be sent off to the lab for confirmation and that typically takes several weeks, possibly over a month,” said Ross. 

Ross declined to comment on how much money was confiscated during the arrest citing that the case was ongoing but stated “it was a significant amount that was seized because of evidence of distribution.”

In regards to the suspect’s court date, Ross explained that because there are both felony and misdemeanor charges, this case will follow the path of a felony. From there the suspect will attend several court appearances which will involve an arraignment, bond hearings and finally a preliminary court date will be set. 

If the suspect is released, administrative action from Mason will be taken. 

Mason PD requests university students to be vigilant, stating, “We encourage the campus community to report all crimes and suspicious activity by calling Mason Police at 703-993-2810 or the anonymous tip line at 703-993-4111.”

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Any details will be updated as they are released.