Arrest made in McCoy’s Ford home invasion

Hugh Vannatter

A Winchester man, Hugh Vannatter, 32, was charged by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday night in connection with a home invasion that occurred on July 18 in the “1651 block of McCoy’s Ford Rd.” according to a media release from the office of Sheriff Daniel T. McEathron.

Vannatter was charged with robbery, entering a dwelling with the intent to commit robbery, use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession or transport of a firearm by a commissioned felon, and conspiracy to commit a felony after being identified as a suspect in the home invasion in which a man was held at gunpoint and cash was stolen from the home.

According to a previous media release from McEathron’s office, two men reportedly entered the residence on McCoy’s Ford Road via an unlocked door. The release stated that once inside, one man held the male occupant of the home at gunpoint—with a black handgun of an unknown model—while the other man stole money from the residence. The pair reportedly fled on foot.

The Sherriff’s Office stated previously that one of the two suspects was a former acquaintance of the victim. Investigator Mackenzie Knowles declined to disclose whether a second person was still being sought, or if a description of a suspect was available.

Vannatter was taken to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, and held without bond, according to the release.

Online records, however, show Vannatter was booked into the Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail Wednesday morning, at 10:32 a.m. where he is currently being held.

According to online court records, Vannatter pleaded guilty in Frederick County Circuit Court in January 2007 to petty larceny, brandishing a firearm, malicious wounding, and unlawful entry.

The investigation into the home invasion continues.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Knowles at 540-635-7100 or invknowles@warrencountysheriff.org.