WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) – Waynesboro Police arrested 26-year-old James J. Williams II, of Waynesboro, on 17 charges, including felonies and misdemeanors, related to a shooting incident and subsequent vehicle pursuit.

On April 6, 2025, at approximately 3:53 AM, Waynesboro Police Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of Stayman Avenue, which was believed to be related to a harassment incident between known parties. Responding officers found four adult victims in a vehicle heading northbound on South Delphine Avenue, approaching East Main Street. The victims reported that they were being actively followed and possibly shot at again by an individual named Williams II, who was pursuing them in his vehicle.
When officers attempted to stop Williams II, he sped away east on East Main Street, driving at high speed. He crashed into two signs in the 1200 block before continuing onto Interstate 64 eastbound, where he collided with a guardrail. The pursuit extended through Nelson and Albemarle Counties, during which officers deployed stop sticks that damaged one of the vehicle’s tires. The chase concluded in Fluvanna County in the 15800 block of James Madison Highway. After exiting Interstate 64 and traveling southbound, Williams II crashed into a ditch and fled on foot but was apprehended quickly without further incident.
Following the investigation of the shooting incident and the pursuit, Williams II was arrested and charged with multiple alleged offenses:
  • 4 counts of § 18.2-286.1 (F) – Discharge a firearm from a vehicle as to create risk of injury of death.
  • 4 counts of § 18.2-154 (F) – Maliciously shoot at an occupied vehicle.
  • 4 counts of § 18.2-26/18.2-51.2 (F) – Attempted malicious wounding.
  • 1 count of § 18.2-308.2 (F) – Convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
  • 1 count of § 46.2-817 (F) – Eluding.
  • 1 count of § 18.2-57.2- (M) – Assault & battery of a family or household member.
  • 1 count of § 46.2-852 (M) – Reckless Driving.
  • 1 count of § 46.2-896 (M) – Hit and Run.
The Waynesboro Police Department received assistance during the pursuit from the Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police Department, and Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office.
There were no reported injuries to the victims, only property damage.
Additional charges or related investigations may be forthcoming in other jurisdictions. No further information is available at this time.