BY KEITH EPPS

Stafford County authorities are trying to determine who placed 20 large rocks across the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 early Wednesday.

Sheriff's spokesman Bill Kennedy said the rocks were placed in the area of Coal Landing Road just past the courthouse between 2 a.m. and 2:40 a.m. At least two vehicles struck the rocks; one got a flat tire while the other had no readily apparent damage.

When Deputy Matthew Flick arrived, Kennedy said, he found 20 rocks weighing 5 to 8 pounds each in a line across the two northbound lanes. The rocks had apparently been removed from a ditch on the east side of the highway.

Kennedy said police have had issues with someone placing tree limbs across the road in that same general area.

"We very much would like to know who is responsible," Kennedy said. "It is very fortunate this didn't result in more serious damage or a serious injury."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 658-4400 or Crime Solvers at 659-2020.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com