The Virginia State Police (VSP) are intensifying their search for 19-year-old Jason Allen Glidewell II of Bracey, who has been identified as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Hunter Bates along Interstate 85 in Brunswick County.
The Incident
At approximately 3:47 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, troopers were dispatched to the northbound lanes of I-85 near mile marker 5, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Responding officers discovered a Honda Civic that had left the roadway and crashed into a culvert.
Inside the vehicle, the driver, Hunter Bates of Lawrenceville, Virginia, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger, whose name has not been disclosed, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. She has since been released and is cooperating with detectives.
Investigators believe Bates’ vehicle may have been deliberately targeted and are working to determine whether the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute, road rage, or other criminal activity.
Suspect Information
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as Jason Allen Glidewell II, described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Glidewell is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous.
Police say he may be driving a silver 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche with Virginia license plate TFN 1004. He is known to have ties to Richmond and Henrico County and could be attempting to hide out in those areas.
Warrants have been issued for Glidewell’s arrest on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Ongoing Investigation
The VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office, along with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement partners, are conducting a multi-jurisdictional manhunt. Police have increased patrols in key areas and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby highways, businesses, and traffic cameras in an effort to track Glidewell’s movements.
Forensic teams continue to process evidence recovered from the scene, including shell casings and ballistic fragments. Investigators are also working to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the shooting, interviewing potential witnesses who may have been traveling on I-85 at the time.
Community Reaction
The deadly shooting has left the Lawrenceville and Brunswick County communities in shock. Hunter Bates, described by friends as “kind-hearted, hardworking, and full of potential,” had been a recent graduate and was pursuing career opportunities before his life was tragically cut short.
“Hunter was the type of person who always looked out for others. Losing him this way feels unreal,” one longtime friend shared.
Local residents expressed growing concerns about violence along major highways, urging authorities to increase patrols and safety measures. Community leaders are also highlighting the need for gun violence prevention efforts, particularly among young adults.
Vigils and memorials are being organized in Lawrenceville to honor Hunter’s life, with family and friends calling for justice and for anyone with information about Glidewell’s whereabouts to come forward.
Public Safety Appeal
Virginia State Police are urging the public not to approach Glidewell if spotted but to immediately contact law enforcement. Tips can be reported by calling the VSP at (804) 553-3445, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, or dialing 911.
“This suspect poses a serious threat to public safety,” said VSP spokesperson Sgt. Michelle Anaya. “We are asking for the community’s cooperation in helping us locate him before anyone else is harmed.”
Remembering Hunter Bates
As the investigation continues, the focus for many remains on the victim, Hunter Bates. Family members describe him as a young man with “a big heart, a bright smile, and dreams that will never be fulfilled.”
“Hunter deserved so much more time,” his mother said. “We are heartbroken, but we’re praying for justice and holding onto our memories of him.