AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a malicious wounding that occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Sheriff Donald Smith reports that at approximately 2:00 a.m., Augusta County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting that a male had been attacked with a machete on Breezewood Drive in the Staunton area of Augusta County.

Deputies arrived on scene at approximately 2:10 a.m. and located the victim suffering from severe injuries and significant blood loss. A deputy immediately applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm, and then started securing the scene for responding emergency personnel. The suspect had fled the area prior to deputies’ arrival.

The Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, Swoope Volunteer Fire Company, Augusta County Fire-Rescue, and Churchville Volunteer Rescue Squad responded to the scene. Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, he was airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center for treatment.

During the investigation, deputies identified 29-year-old Griffin Spencer Howland of Staunton, as the individual allegedly responsible for the attack. Howland was located and taken into custody in the 200 block of Cedar Green Road.

Howland has been charged with Malicious Wounding and is currently being held without bond at the Middle River Regional Jail.

“Our investigation has determined that Mr. Howland and the victim knew each other and that this incident stemmed from an altercation that occurred several days ago,” said Sheriff Donald L. Smith.

During the initial response to this incident, responding deputies observed a motorcycle leaving the Breezewood Drive area at approximately the same time of the attack. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the motorcycle operator reportedly refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has determined that the motorcycle pursuit is not related to the malicious wounding investigation.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333.