VA Man Hits Patrol Car, Says Wanted to Take 'Out' Deputy

A King George, VA, man was charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer Sunday after being accused of ramming a county deputy's cruiser from behind and then telling the deputy that he was trying to "take you out," authorities said.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

August 21, 2017

(Image: King George County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

A Virginia man was charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer Sunday after being accused of ramming a King George County deputy's cruiser from behind and then telling the deputy that he was trying to "take you out," authorities said.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Kecia Wharton said Deputy Steve Patla was on patrol on State Route 205 about noon when a gray Honda SUV crashed into the back of his westbound patrol vehicle, then fled the scene, reports the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star .

Wharton said Patla pursued and stopped the vehicle and ordered the driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, out of the Honda and took him into custody. Wharton said that when Patla several times asked the suspect what he was doing, the suspect replied, "I was trying to take you out."

Reginald Van Robinson Jr., 26, was also charged with felony eluding, hit and run, and several traffic offenses. He was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

Topics:Hit-and-Run the south Virginia Virginia agencies Attempted Murder of Officers Patrol

More Patrol

center circle image of PTSD Help Expanded surrounded by military and first responder images

Patrol•November 11, 2025

Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans

Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.

police officer holding a folded flag and headline for Officer Killed

Patrol•November 10, 2025

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting

A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.

Black background with blue graphic outline of state of Florida and headline Video Released: barricaded Suspect Falls Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody.

Patrol•November 10, 2025

Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody

Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.

thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring T2 Systems.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•November 10, 2025

From the Show Floor: T2 Systems

Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.

view of a mobile observation trailer deployed in a parking lot against a blue sky

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•November 10, 2025

Texas Pollice Department Adds Reconview Tower

A Texas police chief shares how the Decatur Police Department will use its new Reconview observation tower.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•October 30, 2025

From the Show Floor: Traka

Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.

Patrol•October 29, 2025

Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium

Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.

Patrol•October 28, 2025

2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event

The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.

Patrol•October 27, 2025

FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day

In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

View All →