Quick thinking on the part of a concerned citizens who called 911 in Westmoreland County, may have diverted disaster at the First Friday Event in Montross this weekend when driver Jessica L. Caudill, 34, Falmouth, Kentucky was driving a stolen Maroon Ford-150 erratically while under the influence of drugs in the direction of several hundred citizens in Montross celebrating the event.
The First Friday Event takes place in the heart of Downtown Montross just before the sharp turn in Route 3.
Musicians, Vendors and merchants gather to entertain and sell their goods to visitors during the once a month event that takes place all summer long. Pedestrians continuously walk across Route 3 between events and the museums and courthouse lawn to enjoy fun and festivities.
However last Friday, September 3, a reckless driver under the influence of Heroin was heading towards the Town of Montross. A concerned citizen witnessed the erratic driving and called it in to police, airing their concerns for the crowds that were just a few miles up the road celebrating the September First Friday Event.
According to a press release from Sheriff C. O. Balderson; At approximately 5:25PM on Friday, September 3, 2021, the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a reckless driver on Route 3 near the vicinity of the Town of Montross.
The caller stated that a Maroon Ford-150, displaying out of state license plates, was driving all over the roadway and traveling at high rates of speed. The caller also indicated concern for those who may be attending the First Friday event in town.
Within minutes of the call, deputies located the vehicle at the 7-11 convenience store in Montross.
During their investigation, the vehicle was found to have been stolen out of New Jersey and was being operated by Jessica L. Caudill.
Further investigation revealed that Ms. Caudill was in possession of Heroin, which field tested positive at the scene.
Ms. Caudill, 34, Falmouth, Kentucky, was charged with one count of possession of stolen property and one count of possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance.
She is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail on No bond. Her first court appearance has been scheduled.
Sheriff C.O. Balderson said, “I want to thank the caller for the concern and diligence in reporting what was observed. There is no doubt that by calling in to the sheriff’s office dispatch, those actions assisted the deputies in preventing personal injury and loss of life.”
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