After a more than a 10-hour search, the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office took Robert Paul Rosell Jr., 32, of Gloucester, into custody on Monday evening on charges of brandishing a firearm, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a Class 6 felony.
The incident caused concern throughout the area, resulting in several schools in the northern part of the county going into lockdown out of an abundance of caution.
According to Lt. Michael Rice of GCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division, deputies were dispatched to the 3300 block of Lowneyville Lane in reference to a disorderly person armed with a shotgun just before 9 o’clock Monday morning. Deputies learned that there was a struggle for the weapon in question after the suspect had brandished and pointed the weapon at a resident.
As deputies arrived, the suspect fled the scene while in possession of the shotgun. Deputies searched for the suspect and began checking the welfare of residents in the immediate area. An investigation revealed the suspect was a convicted violent felon.
As the investigation and search progressed, deputies learned that the suspect had gained entry into a neighbor’s residence to conceal himself from law enforcement before fleeing again toward a nearby wooded area.
Since Rosell was considered to be armed and dangerous at the time of the search, GCSO directed Gloucester County Public Schools to initiate a secure hold at Bethel Elementary and Peasley Middle schools at approximately 9:15 a.m. Half an hour later, both schools went into lockdown. Petsworth Elementary School was also instructed to enter lockdown at 10 a.m. Residents of the area were asked to shelter in place.
The three schools were next directed by GCSO to go into secure mode, meaning the exteriors of the buildings were to remain secured with no movement in or out of the buildings. However, students and staff were able to resume indoor activities, including class changes and lunch in the cafeteria.
GCSO worked with law enforcement partners from the Virginia State Police (K9 and Tactical Team) and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (K9 and Drone Team) in the search for Rosell. The York County Department of Fire and Life Safety’s Drone Team, Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and Gloucester Emergency Management also provided support.
In addition, GCSO utilized members from its own K9 Team, Drone Team, School Resource Officer Division, Special Operations Unit, Criminal Investigations Division and Uniform Patrol Division.
During the early afternoon hours, the search and investigation suggested the suspect obtained transport out of the immediate area.
Bethel, Petsworth and Peasley were approved to end secure mode and dismissal occurred on time. All afternoon activities were also able to proceed as scheduled. GCSO informed the community that residents in the area of Lowneyville Lane could stop sheltering in place.
At 7:20 p.m., GCSO deputies were called back to the 3300 block of Lowneyville Lane after the suspect was sighted by multiple residents. Deputies were already close to the scene and responded to the call. A short foot pursuit ensued and the suspect was apprehended. A shotgun was recovered in a nearby field during the investigation and search.