A Virginia teen whose search triggered the closure of all Fredericksburg City Public Schools on Friday was apprehended in New Jersey and is expected to face trespassing charges, as well as being linked to an alleged stolen vehicle.
According to city officials, a 16-year-old kid from Fairfax County who was reported missing on March 17 was discovered trespassing at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg on Wednesday. According to Fairfax County police, when a school resource officer noticed the 16-year-old acting suspiciously, he departed the school premises and has yet to be discovered.
Officials said the adolescent was apprehended shortly after 5 p.m. in Florence, New Jersey, which is three to four hours from Fredericksburg and Fairfax County, Virginia.
According to a statement, Fredericksburg City Public Schools received information late Thursday and early Friday, which led to the cancellation of classes at all seven campuses due to safety and security concerns. Police tell 7News that the youngster was not armed.
“No staff should report,” the school district said in an X post.
According to a Fredericksburg police update, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) D.C. branch is assisting with the investigation and believes Safar is linked to a stolen car incident in Stafford County on Thursday that was discovered on Friday.
Police said the 16-year-old fugitive, identified as Fasihullah Safar, was reported missing by his family on March 17.
The teen is wanted for trespassing on school property, according to the school system. Police later stated that there was no direct threat to the Fredericksburg City Public School System.
