Tow Truck Driver Faces New Charges

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A King George tow truck driver was arrested in Fredericksburg after police said he provided false identifying information during a traffic stop, while investigators say he is also the subject of an ongoing investigation into alleged predatory towing practices spanning Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

According to the Fredericksburg Police Department, the incident occurred Thursday when Officer Parker was clearing a traffic stop near Plank Road and Huntington Hills.

Police said the officer observed a tow truck traveling while towing another vehicle. As the truck approached, the driver allegedly made an abrupt lane change, causing the vehicle being towed to swing dangerously. The officer also observed what appeared to be an intentional attempt to obscure the tow truck's license plate.

During the stop, police said the driver provided a false name, date of birth and Social Security number. Investigators later identified him as Brandon Michael Payne, 41, of King George, through police resources. A records check also showed Payne had outstanding grand larceny warrants from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Payne was taken into custody without incident and transported to Rappahannock Regional Jail, where police said he was held on a $2,000 bond.

Court Records Detail Charges

Fredericksburg General District Court records show Payne was charged with:

• False identification to law enforcement, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law.
• Operating a tow truck without required Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor.
• Allowing a load to leak or escape, an infraction.
• Failure to have a valid state vehicle inspection, an infraction.

All four cases are scheduled for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. July 28 in Fredericksburg General District Court, according to court records.

Under Virginia law, the most serious charge—false identification to avoid arrest—is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 if convicted.

Predatory Towing Investigation Continues

In addition to the new charges, Fredericksburg police said Payne remains under investigation by the department's Detective Division in a case that began in October 2025.

Police allege the investigation involves predatory towing practices by Payne's towing company and has resulted in multiple reports from alleged victims in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The department did not identify the towing company or announce any charges related to that investigation, which remains ongoing.

Fredericksburg police are asking anyone who believes they have been overcharged or otherwise victimized by a towing company to contact the department and speak with an officer.