JAMES CITY COUNTY — The James City County Board of Supervisors recognized the citizens and first responders whose actions saved the lives of Molly and Luke Haskin following a road-rage shooting on Oct. 5, 2024.
The recognition took place during the board’s meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the James City County Government Center.
Among those honored were good Samaritans Patrick O’Brien, Master Sgt. Jon Rattay, and Sarah Copeland, as well as James City County Fire and EMS personnel from Stations 3 and 5, whose actions that day were instrumental in saving Molly and Luke Haskin’s lives.
“What we’re here to focus on today, is not the violence, but the kindness, and … the courage and the professionalism that met us in those terrible moments,” explained Molly Haskin. “Three people we had never met, Patrick O’Brien, Master Sgt. John Rattay and Sarah Copeland, in complete disregard for their own safety, saw my vehicle stop and did not hesitate to immediately start a course of action which saved our lives.”
According to Haskin, O’Brien, a former ER nurse, used his own shirt to reduce her extensive bleeding and help her breathe well enough again so that she could regain consciousness, as well as provided first responders with details that allowed them to jump to immediate action. Copeland climbed into the vehicle to secure it from rolling and rendered aid. Rattay helped settle Luke Haskin, tended to the bleeding from his arms and kept him calm until the ambulance arrived.
Also recognized was Luke’s friend Gavin Kuebler, a passenger in the vehicle, whose 911 call and recording led to the shooter’s arrest within an hour of the attack.
“Gavin, you survived a horrible attack, and you could have easily frozen up with fear and shock, yet in that moment, you acted with bravery and foresight to capture the video that not only became ultimate proof, but it also provided the crucial information to the police so that they could apprehend the criminal in a very expedient manner,” Haskin said. “You stayed calm and called 911, providing the vital location information that allowed the first responders to reach us so quickly. You also provided immediate details to the responding officers that led to a clear picture of the entire event. Your courage under fire is beyond words. You are one of my heroes.”
Haskin also thanked James City County Fire and EMS teams, the James City County Police Department, and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
“Justice has been served, but it’s the care and compassion that you all showed that allowed us to be here today. To our neighbors and friends in this community, thank you for standing with us, checking on us, and lifting us up when we needed it most. You reminded us, even in the darkest times, we are not alone,” she said.
Joseph Adams, 45, of Surry, was sentenced by the Williamsburg-James City Circuit Court in October to two consecutive life terms plus 19 years in prison for his role in the shooting, which took place at the intersection of Centerville Road and Monticello Avenue. Adams was apprehended on the Surry County side of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry within an hour of the shooting.
O’Brien, Rattay, Copeland and Kuebler were also presented with the lifesaving award by James City County Fire Chief Ryan Ashe.
Delegate-Elect Jessica Anderson was also in attendance, joining local officials and community members, and prior to the meeting, the honorees were presented challenge coins from the Commonwealth of Virginia by Sen. Ryan McDougle.
“There were so many individual citizens that came. Not only helped you physically at the scene, helped make sure you stayed alive and got help, but then didn’t leave you at that point … And I think that’s a true testament to us as a community,” McDougle said. “And I am very thankful for each of you all for being there, willing to step up in the day and time that we’re in. It’s not always easy to run into trouble, you don’t know what’s going on, you don’t know what you can experience. And we’re very thankful that they were there for you, and we’re thankful that you’re doing so well.”
Following the meeting, an informal community gathering was held at Revolution Golf and Grill in New Town for friends, neighbors and guests.
The event was supported in part by Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which provided Christmas Town passes for those honored.
