LYNDHURST, VA (Rocktown Now) – On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at approximately 6:54 a.m., the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots fired into a residence on Blackford Way in the Lyndhurst area of Augusta County.
Deputies responded to the scene and arrived at approximately 7:20am.
Prior to their arrival, the male suspect had fled the area in a 2003 white Jeep Liberty. A short time later, deputies located the suspect vehicle in the Stuarts Draft area. The suspect was taken into custody without incident on View Drive.
The suspect has been identified as Jose Martinez-Cruz, 41, of Stuarts Draft. He has been charged with the following offenses:
• 18.2-279 (F) – Occupied Building: Maliciously shoot
• 18.2-286.1 (F) – Shoot from a vehicle
• 18.2-371.1 (F) – 6 counts of Abuse/Neglect child: reckless disregard for life
• 18.2-56.1 (M) – Recklessly handling of a firearm
• 18.2-280 (M) – Shoot in public place, no bodily injury
• 18.2-286 (M) – Shoot across road or street
Martinez-Cruz is currently being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.
No injuries were reported during this incident. Out of an abundance of caution, all Stuarts Draft Schools were placed on “Secure” status while deputies searched for the suspect. The schools remained secure until the suspect was safely taken into custody, the “Secure” was immediately lifted.