Assault Suspect Apprehended After Intense Manhunt

Joint Law Enforcement Efforts Lead to Quick Arrest in Front Royal Assault Case.

In a series of swift developments starting Sunday, the Front Royal Police Department, with the assistance of several law enforcement agencies, apprehended a suspect involved in a grievous assault that left one individual critically injured.

The chain of events began on the evening of September 17, 2023, when officers responded to a distressing report of a break-in and assault on S. Marshall Street. Upon their arrival, they found a severely injured individual outside a home. The injuries were so grave that after an initial treatment at Warren Memorial Hospital, the victim was immediately transferred to Winchester Medical Center for emergency surgery.

The gravity of the situation was clear, and the Front Royal Police Department wasted no time in their investigation. Their efforts quickly bore fruit as they identified Anthony M. Stewart as the prime suspect. However, by the time this identification was made, Stewart had already fled the scene. Described as a 5’10” male with brown eyes and hair, Stewart’s last known address was in Front Royal, Virginia. With charges including aggravated malicious wounding, burglary, and violation of protective order provisions hanging over his head, the manhunt was intense.

Anthony M. Stewart Description: 5’10”, male, Brown Eyes, Brown Hair Address: Front Royal, Virginia Offenses: § 18.2-51.2. Aggravated malicious wounding. § 18.2-89. Burglary. § 16.1-253.2. Violation of provisions of protective orders.

A day after the incident, on September 18, the chase concluded. Stewart was detained by the combined efforts of the United States Marshals Service and the Martinsburg Police Department in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He was then placed in the custody of the Eastern Regional Jail. Presented before the magistrate, he was denied bond and is currently awaiting extradition back to Virginia. His court hearing for the said offenses is scheduled for October 12, 2023, at the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

In their official statement, the Front Royal Police Department expressed its gratitude towards the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsburg Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service for their invaluable help in apprehending Stewart. Detective M.R. Ramey, who is leading the investigation, urges anyone with additional insights on the case to reach out at (540) 636-2208 or mramey@frontroyalva.com.

The swift and collective efforts of law enforcement showcase the community’s commitment to safety and justice. Such coordination and determination provide a clear message: those who threaten the peace and security of Front Royal residents will face the full force of the law.