James Berling, Son of Fairfax Co. Officer, Arrested for Driving Police Cruiser, Firing Weapon

A 27-year-old man has been arrested for driving his father's marked police cruiser and unlawfully firing a weapon, all while wearing his father's uniform shirt. 

Crews initially responded to the 15000 block of Stillfield Place in Centreville around 2 a.m. March 16 for suspicious noises. They say 27-year-old James Michael Puebla Berling, a son of a Fairfax County police officer, fired a gun there.

Shortly after, a trooper noticed a Fairfax County police cruiser driving over the speed limit on Route 29. Fearing an officer was in distress, the trooper gave chase to offer assistance. 

At some point during the drive, Berling had activated his police lights. 

Troopers caught up with him back on Stillfield Place, at which Berling and a passenger attempted to escape into nearby woods. They were arrested and charged shortly after. 

Berling was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, impersonating a police officer and wreckless discharge of a weapon. Officials say the gun fired by Berling was not issued to police. 

Caitlin Lee, 18, of Centreville was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of marijuana and schedule I or II narcotic.

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