Police Charge Colonial Beach Officer in Apartment Fight

A 31-year-old Colonial Beach police officer has been charged with felonious assault following a reported fight in a Forest Village Apartments hallway on Sept. 13. 

Officers responded to the complex at 8:20 p.m. when two men were said to be fighting. One of the subjects involved reportedly had the other subject in a choke hold, said a press release from the City of Fredericksburg. 

"When officers arrived, the combatants were separated and a rescue squad was called to the scene," said the release. "The subject who was the victim of the choke hold was checked by EMS personnel and he denied the need for transport to the hospital." 

Police reports said that based on the information provided by witnesses and the involved parties, Kevin Murrell, 31, of Orange was arrested for misdemeanor assault.

City police spokesperson Natalia Bledsoe said in a release that Murrell is a police officer with the Colonial Beach Police Department.

"The disagreement reportedly started when Murrell knocked on the victim’s door and asked him to turn down his music, police reports said. "This request turned into an argument, which escalated into a fight."

The next day, on Sept. 14, the victim called 911 and requested an ambulance to take him to the emergency room for back pain. The medical examination revealed injuries that were not detected on the previous evening.

After consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, the investigating detective obtained a warrant on Monday with an upgraded charge of felonious assault (18.2-51.6). Murrell was notified of the charge and he turned himself in. He was arrested and subsequently released by the magistrate on his own recognizance.

Over the weekend, Murrell had obtained his own warrant against the alleged victim involved in the fight charging him with assault and battery. On Monday, Travis Cox, 22, of Fredericksburg was also arrested and released by the magistrate on his own recognizance.