Traffic stop leads to alleged assault on New Kent deputy sheriff

A West Point man faces an assortment of charges after he allegedly struggled with law enforcement officers during a traffic stop in New Kent County.

Joseph Karl Fredericks, 48, of the 7900 block of Point Lookout Road, West Point, is charged with one count each of assaulting a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest following the May 22 incident.

New Kent deputies were conducting a vehicle checkpoint on Farmer’s Drive (Route 273) near Davis Pond Road. A sheriff’s office report said the vehicle driven by Fredericks had an expired registration, and the suspect became uncooperative, refusing to provide deputies with his driver’s license.

Fredericks allegedly resisted arrest leading to the assault charge that occurred during an alleged struggle with Deputy Wyatt Johnston. The suspect was being held at Henrico Jail East on $2,500 bond, and was due in New Kent General District Court today (Tuesday) for arraignment.