Car Chase Ends Outside Of Stafford Jail, Driver Arrested: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A driver was arrested on Thursday after a police chase that ended in front of the Rappahannock Regional Jail, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said.

No injuries were reported in the chase, which last about 2 miles .

Authorities identified the driver as 53-year-old James Williams, Jr. He is charged with felony eluding, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15% and .2%, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, drinking while driving, a traffic lane violation, and two counts of failing to stop at a stop sign.

Williams was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 secured bond.

If convicted of all charges, Williams could face up to 6 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The chase began around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday on Eskimo Hill Road. A Stafford County deputy reported that he saw a driver fail to stay in their lane. The deputy had the driver pull over, according to the police report.

"Due to where the driver stopped, Deputy Kulbeth requested the driver relocate a little further down the road for both their safety," the sheriff's office said in a report. "A little further does not mean 2 miles away. The driver took off at a high rate a speed, resulting in a pursuit."

The driver ran two stop signs as he fled along northbound Richmond Highway, authorities said. The driver, who deputies later identified as Williams, weaved in and out of traffic.

"As more deputies responded to the area, the driver headed right towards Rappahannock Regional Jail, almost like he knew where his journey would take him," the sheriff's office said. "The driver eventually stopped in front of the jail."

Deputies found an open alcoholic beverage and a loaded gun in Williams's vehicle, according to the police report.

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device. Even fighting a DUI conviction can prove to be costly.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.