Published on March 25, 2025
On Monday, March 24, at 3:58 p.m., an officer with the Winchester Police Department (WPD) was at the Sheetz at 2311 Valley Avenue in the city of Winchester on an unrelated call for service when he was advised by a community member that a man outside the business was consuming alcohol in public.
The officer made contact with the suspect, later identified as Robert Rampy, 47, of Frederick County, Virginia. The officer attempted to detain Rampy, and a struggle ensued. The officer called for backup and deployed his issued Taser to gain compliance and make the arrest. Additional officers responded to the scene and assisted in securing Rampy. He was transported to the Winchester Medical Center in accordance with the WPD’s electronic control weapon policy, where he was treated and released.
Rampy was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, and having an open container of alcohol in public. Once Rampy was transported to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC), he was found to have two concealed knives in his property. He was subsequently charged with possession of a concealed weapon and possession of a concealed weapon by a convicted felon.
Rampy was held at the NRADC on a secured bond.
Per the WPD’s use of force policy, the primary involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while a comprehensive internal review is conducted.
Media Contact:
Sarah Frey
Public Information Officer
sarah.frey@winchesterva.gov
(540) 550-3924