News Summary
A Yorktown man has been arrested for brandishing an AK-47 at four individuals during a traffic incident. The suspect confronted the victims while driving, sparking alarm and fear. Authorities quickly identified him and recovered the weapon, charging him with four counts of brandishing a firearm. As the case unfolds, community members are reminded to stay vigilant and report aggressive behaviors.
Yorktown Man Arrested After Brandishing AK-47 at Motorists During Traffic Incident
A Yorktown man, Andrew James Jones II, has been arrested for allegedly brandishing a rifle at four individuals in a vehicle during a traffic incident on July 4, 2025. This alarming event unfolded while the victims were driving southbound on George Washington Memorial Highway, close to York High School.
According to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, the situation escalated when a dark-colored vehicle cut in front of the victims’ car, nearly forcing them off the road and into a ditch. As traffic came to a stop, Jones exited his vehicle, retrieved an AK-47 type rifle, and pointed it menacingly at the occupants of the other vehicle. After brandishing the weapon, Jones returned to his vehicle and fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive.
Law enforcement officials quickly responded to reports of the incident and began their investigation. Through their efforts, Jones was promptly identified as the suspect. On July 12, deputies executed a search warrant at his residence, where they seized the rifle used in the incident.
Jones has since been charged with four counts of brandishing a firearm. As of now, he is incarcerated at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Incident Details
The confrontation occurred during a busy holiday day on July 4, when many families were celebrating. The victims reported being startled and fearful during the encounter, as they did not expect such a violent interaction while simply driving.
Reports state that the driver of the dark-colored vehicle, which Jones was operating, engaged in aggressive driving maneuvers that put the victims in a dangerous predicament. Witnesses to the incident have described it as an alarming display of road rage that escalated to a considerable threat to public safety.
Legal Context
Brandishing a firearm in Virginia is a serious offense, reflecting the state’s legal stance against threatening behavior involving weapons. The law aims to prevent intimidation and protect the safety of all individuals in public spaces. With four counts against Jones, he faces significant legal repercussions should he be convicted.
Background Information
Incidents involving firearms in traffic situations are concerning and often lead to heightened awareness regarding road rage and gun violence. Public officials and law enforcement continue to stress the importance of reporting any aggressive or threatening behaviors witnessed while driving, as such actions can escalate rapidly and threaten the safety of everyone involved.
The swift actions taken by the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office serve as a reminder of the responsibilities of law enforcement in maintaining public safety and addressing violent incidents promptly. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any similar occurrences to protect themselves and others on the road.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Yorktown Man Arrested After Brandishing Assault Rifle
- 13 News Now: York Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Charges
- WTKR: Student Charged With Bringing Gun to Grafton High School
- Patch: Yorktown Man Arrested After Turning in Illegal Assault Rifle
- 13 News Now: Navy Sailor Charged with Negligent Homicide in Yorktown
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
- Google Search: Firearm Laws Virginia
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Road Rage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Road Rage
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
