Spotsylvania Deputy Assaulted After Hit-And-Run Crash; Fredericksburg Man Jailed

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Fredericksburg man is facing multiple charges after Spotsylvania County deputies investigated a hit-and-run crash, an assault on a deputy and a stolen vehicle case tied to the same pickup truck, according to a sheriff's office news release.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded Saturday, to a reported motor vehicle accident at Patriot Highway southbound and Mills Drive. Witnesses reported a pickup truck was driving erratically before striking an SUV, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway and go down an embankment. The driver of the pickup truck fled on foot before law enforcement arrived, according to the release.

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A deputy and a sergeant found a gray Chevrolet SUV and a blue Chevrolet pickup truck down an embankment in a wooded, swampy area. A bystander reported following the fleeing driver to a nearby restaurant parking lot, where deputies encountered Deon Tyrell McKenney, 27, of Fredericksburg, according to the release. The sheriff's office said McKenney was barefoot, had visible injuries, appeared intoxicated, and gave inconsistent statements denying involvement in the crash.

Deputies observed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, an odor of alcohol and unsteady movement, according to the release. McKenney was detained, repeatedly denied driving, refused field sobriety testing and a preliminary breath test, and displayed erratic and aggressive behavior, according to the release. A crash witness positively identified McKenney as the driver who fled the scene.

During a medical evaluation, McKenney spontaneously admitted he was intoxicated, according to the release. The sheriff's office said he later became combative, threatened deputies and kicked a deputy while being secured in a patrol vehicle. The deputy did not sustain any serious injuries.

Investigators recovered a shoe matching one found in the crash vehicle, as well as McKenney's personal belongings inside the pickup truck, according to the release. The sheriff's office said McKenney refused further breath testing and was taken to the magistrate's office, where warrants were obtained for DUI, second offense within five years; unreasonable refusal, second offense; assault on law enforcement; obstruction; hit and run; reckless driving; failure to maintain lane; and driving while revoked. He was then held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

On April 12, deputies responded to 4312 Turriff Lane for a reported stolen vehicle. The complainant reported a blue Chevrolet Colorado missing after leaving it unlocked with keys inside.

Investigators determined it was the same pickup truck involved in the crash on Saturday and driven by McKenney, according to the release. The sheriff's office said a cellphone recovered from the truck was not the owner's, and a motor vehicle theft warrant was obtained against McKenney and submitted for service at the jail.

McKinney was arraigned in Spotsylvania General District Court on Monday morning and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 9, according to court records.

The most serious charge McKinney is facing is failing to stop for an accident with injuries, which is a Class 5 felony. If convicted on this charge, McKinney faces a potential sentence of one to 10 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, under the Virginia Code.