On the evening of July 1, 2026, at approximately 9:31 p.m., officers with the Culpeper Police Department were dispatched following a report of a suspected intoxicated driver. The caller reported that a gray SUV was traveling on Madison Road and was observed striking curbs before entering the Southgate Shopping Center parking lot.

Before officers arrived at the shopping center, the SUV left the parking lot and traveled toward North Street. The preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle proceeded eastbound from the shopping center, entered the intersection of North Street and Orange Road, and failed to stop at the stop sign. The SUV then collided with a Ford F-150 traveling northbound on Orange Road before leaving the roadway. After crossing a grass field, the vehicle struck a tree near the 1300 block of Webster Lane.

The driver of the pickup truck, who was uninjured, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.

The driver of the SUV was identified as Shanon Fondal, 45, of Culpeper, VA. Fondal was found unresponsive. He was extracted then transported by Culpeper County Emergency Medical Services to UVA Culpeper Hospital. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was later transferred to another medical facility in Charlottesville. Evidence obtained during the investigation indicated that Fondal was driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Based on the investigation, officers have charged Fondal with the following offenses:

• Driving Under the Influence Felony (Third or Subsequent Offense Within 10 Years) – Virginia Code § 18.2-266
• Hit and Run Felony – Virginia Code § 46.2-894
• Driving Without a Valid Operator's License – Virginia Code § 46.2-300
• Failure to Obey a Stop Sign – Virginia Code § 46.2-821 

Additionally, it was discovered that Fondal is currently out Texas for driving under the influence related charges.

Because Fondal remained hospitalized, the warrants have not yet been served.

Culpeper Police Department is aware of videos circulating on social media that appear to document this incident. Anyone with original videos or photos of this incident are asked to contact MPO Otey at AOtey@culpeperva.gov. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Culpeper Police Department at 540-727-3430, via email at tips@culpeperva.gov, or submit information anonymously through Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300.

No images are available.

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