On April 7, at approximately 4 p.m., Deputy Robert Nielsen responded to the Wawa store located on Three Notch road in California, for a reported disturbance.

Upon arrival he spoke with the victim Mary Cole, 53 of Mechanicsville. Deputy Nielsen’s investigation revealed Cole had arrived at the Wawa a few minutes earlier operating her personally owned motor vehicle, with her 4-year-old grandchild in the car as well as an associate, Tommy Richardson, 36 of Hughesville.

Cole parked her vehicle to go into the store and Richardson told her to get some money for him while she was inside. When Cole told Richardson “no”, he responded by punching her in her face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed. Victim Cole then removed her granddaughter from the car after a brief struggle, and fled inside the store to call the police.

As she entered the store, the suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle without her permission. As deputies were interviewing Cole after arrival, Richardson called her cellular telephone numerous times and threatened her well being. While still at the Wawa, Deputy Nielsen observed the victim’s vehicle at a stop light on Three Notch Road. Deputy Nielsen stopped the vehicle and identified Richardson as the driver.

Richardson was subsequently arrested and charged with assault, telephone misuse, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was also found to be operating the victim’s vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and was charged accordingly. The victim did not need medical treatment, and her vehicle was returned to her. Richardson was incarcerated at the county detention center to await bond review.