According to Jimmy Turk, the defense attorney for both individuals, Tucker allegedly picked up a 12-pack of Dr Pepper soda from an outside display and left without payment.  Trooper G. A. Syres was observing from inside the store and stopped their car shortly after leaving, Turk said.

Turk also said that Vassallo was driving the vehicle.

"The officer said that both were very polite.  They were both were very cooperative," Turk said.

Vassallo has been charged for driving without a license. Tucker has been charged with petty larceny.

The event occurred two days prior to Vassallo and the Hokies playing Columbia in New York City.  The senior standout did not start the contest, sitting on the bench for the first 6:42 for breaking a team rule, according to head coach Seth Greenberg.

Turk also said that there's a statute in Virginia for persons that have never been charged with an infraction of this nature before – which is the case for Vassallo and Tucker – to be taken under advisement and eventually be freed of charges. 

"Ordinarily, in circumstances like this, even if the evidence is sufficient for one or both to be found guilty of this offense, they're not likely to be found guilty," Turk said.

"Ultimately, there is a dismissal of the case provided they don't get in any trouble," he said.

Vassallo currently paces Tech with a 19.3 point average this season.  Last year, he was an All-ACC second-team selection.  Tucker was a senior reserve forward on the 2006-07 squad.  Both are scheduled to appear in Montgomery County General District Court on Feb. 11, Turk said.

Following Tech's victory Saturday over Columbia in the Aeropostale Holiday Festival, Vassallo played all 40 minutes, scoring a team-leading 24 in a Hokies win over St. John's in the tournament final.

More details on this story will be added soon.

• Men's hoops undergoes multiple changes
• Christiansburg to add, replace BT routes
• Guard Thorns to transfer