Page County Bomb Scare Leads to Arrest
STANLEY, Va. — A man was arrested Saturday after a suspected explosive device was discovered inside of a vehicle.
According to a media statement released by the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies were dispatched May 16, 2026 to the 1400 block of Lucas Hollow Road for a welfare check.
During the initial investigation, deputies learned a male suspect had allegedly been “screetching tires” in front of the residence where the subject of the welfare check was located.
The female subject also reported hearing two loud explosions outside of the residence.
While searching the area, deputies saw the suspect’s vehicle, but briefly lost sight of it before finding it unoccupied nearby.
Deputies then reported seeing what appeared to be an explosive device inside of the vehicle.
The area was secured, and the Virginia State Police Bomb Unit responded with bomb technicians and an explosives detection K-9.
Authorities said the suspected explosive device was removed from the vehicle and secured.
Russell Timothy Ropka, 40, of Stanley, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of manufacturing, transporting, distributing, possessing or using a fire bomb or explosive materials or devices.
During this incident, the PCSO was assisted by Virginia State Police, the Shenandoah Police Department, Page County Fire-EMS, Stanley Volunteer Fire Department and the Page County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
At press time, Ropka was being held without bond at the Page County Jail.