WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — UPDATE (8/21/26): According to online records, Justin Michael Lam pleaded guilty to four of the seven charges he faced during a hearing Thursday morning in Waynesboro Circuit Court.

Lam pled guilty to Possession of a firearm by a violent convicted felon, Carrying a concealed firearm, second offense, Identity theft; penalty; restitution; victim assistance, and Reckless handling of a firearm.

A judge then sentenced the 33-year-old Lam to 12 years in prison with seven of those years suspended.

Back on April 1st, Waynesboro Police officers responded to the Days Inn on Rosser Avenue after receiving reports of a gunshot heard near the pool area.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Lam, who allegedly provided false identification initially to avoid outstanding warrants.

However, he was taken into custody the following day.

ORIGINAL (4/7/26): An Augusta County man was arrested last week after Waynesboro Police responded to a report of a gunshot.

Sergeant Benjamin Lemons says on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, officers responded to the Days Inn on Rosser Avenue after receiving reports of a gunshot heard near the pool area.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the suspect, Justin M. Lam, 33, of Grottoes, who allegedly provided false identification initially to avoid outstanding warrants. Lam was taken into custody on those unrelated warrants once his identity was confirmed.

Lemons says following a thorough search of the scene, officers recovered a firearm and ammunition, along with a spent casing. Evidence gathered during the investigation identified Lam as the individual who allegedly discharged the weapon.

Lam has been charged with the following alleged violations of the Code of Virginia:

  • §18.2-279: Shooting towards an occupied building (Felony)
  • §18.2-308: Carrying a concealed firearm, second offense (Felony)
  • §18.2-308.2: Possession of a firearm by a violent convicted felon (Felony)
  • §18.2-56.1: Reckless handling of a firearm (Misdemeanor)
  • §18.2-311.1: Possession of a firearm without a serial number (Misdemeanor)
  • §18.2-460: Obstruction of justice (Misdemeanor)

Lam is currently being held at Middle River Regional Jail and according to online records, his bond hearing was continued until June 16th in Waynesboro General District Court.