Mar 21, 2023, News Release

On March 20, 2023, at approximately 3:19 pm, Waynesboro Police officers responded to the intersection of Ohio Street and North Magnolia Avenue for a reported domestic event with a possible shooting. When officers arrived, they located an adult male with a single gunshot wound. Waynesboro officers rendered first aid to the shooting victim until Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported him to UVA for treatment. No other parties reported with injury.

Waynesboro officers developed a suspect, who was identified as Zaine Anthony Wells Jr, a 25-year-old male from Waynesboro. Wells left the area in a stolen red 2007 four-door Volkswagen bearing Virginia registration TUG-1151 before officers’ arrival.

Wells is currently wanted for the following offenses stemming from the incident:

  • 18.2-51.2 (F) – Aggravated Malicious Wounding
  • 18.2-53.1(F) – Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
  • 18.2-308.2 (F) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
  • 18.2-371.1 (F) – Abuse and neglect of a child
  • 18.2-95/46.2-390(F) – Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
  • 18.2-57.2 (M) – Assault and battery against a family member

Wells is to be considered armed and dangerous.  Please do not approach and call 911.

This is an ongoing investigation; if anyone has information concerning the investigation, the location of Wells, or the stolen vehicle location, please call Detective Nystrom at (540) 942-6798 or Crimestoppers at (800) 322-2017.