CULPEPER, Va. — A recent traffic stop led to multiple arrests, the recovery of stolen property, and the discovery of a possible drone-based drug distribution system.
According to the Culpeper Police Department (CPD), the incident occurred October 1, 2025.
At about 12:44 a.m., Master Police Officer A. Otey stopped a vehicle near Brady Road and Route 29.
Inside the truck were the driver, Timothy Bradford, and a passenger.
Otey also found two women — Alyssa Brizuela and Elizabeth Duke — hiding under a tarp in the bed of the truck, along with various illegal narcotics and suspected stolen property, police said.
Bradford initially provided a false name, but once his true identity was confirmed, officers learned he had outstanding warrants through the CPD and three other jurisdictions.
The vehicle was towed to the CPD as part of the investigation.
During a search, officers discovered a small drone inside a carrying case, along with items consistent with drug distribution, police said.
Several hours earlier, police had received a report that two women matching Brizuela and Duke’s descriptions were involved in a shoplifting incident at a Culpeper business.
A witness directed officers to a large collection of personal items behind Dominion Square Shopping Center.
Multiple items believed to have been stolen were returned to the business, and additional evidence was seized.
As a result of the investigation, Bradford, 47, of Manassas, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, felony possession of a Schedule I/II substance, misdemeanor concealed weapon violation, misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs, misdemeanor false identification to law enforcement, misdemeanor identity theft, misdemeanor possession of a Schedule III substance, misdemeanor driving without a license, and several traffic offenses.
He was also served with two outstanding felony shoplifting charges from CPD, a felony failure to appear from Fairfax Police, and felony probation violations from both Warren County and Winchester Police.
Bradford was held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.
Brizuela, 28, of no fixed address, and Duke, 27, of Alexandria, were both arrested for being drunk in public and held at the Culpeper County Jail until sober.
Investigators believe the three are co-conspirators in a series of larcenies across multiple jurisdictions.
Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
“This investigation is a prime example of what’s possible when an officer combines experience, intuition, and the ability to look beyond the immediate traffic stop,” said Chief Chris Settle. “This one traffic stop led to the recovery of thousands of dollars of property, interrupted a drone-delivery drug distribution system, and the apprehension of criminals. Detectives are still sorting through all of the recovered property and evidence. I’m proud of MPO Otey’s work, and the dedication of our officers and detectives towards keeping Culpeper safe.”
This is an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to call NAME at 540-829-5500 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting a tip at culpeperpd.org.
