Fredericksburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Traffic Stop In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says

SPOTYLVANIA, VA — A Fredericksburg man is facing multiple charges after attempting to elude Spotsylvania County sheriff's deputies Tuesday after fleeing a traffic stop, according to authorities.

The pursuit began when the deputy spotted a white Toyota Camry drive onto a sidewalk as it was leaving a convenience store.

"Upon noticing the deputy, the driver attempted to avoid contact by driving into multiple locations, including returning to the convenience store, entering another convenience, and later pulling into the entrance of an apartment complex," according to the incident report.

The driver, later identified as 31-year-old J'ontae Johnson of Fredericksburg, made several unsuccessful attempts at using a gate code to enter the complex, which is when the deputy made contact with him, the report says.

When the deputy asked for identification, Johnson couldn't produce a driver's license or vehicle registration, according to the sheriff's office. He also gave multiple incorrect names and dates of birth.

"After being prompted to exit the vehicle, Johnson refused and attempted to flee," the report says. "The deputy attempted to block the vehicle with his patrol car. As additional deputies arrived, Johnson continued to resist and struggle with officers while attempting to pull off in the vehicle."

Although the deputies were able to remove Johnson from the vehicle, he continued trying to escape, according to the sheriff's office. After a taser was used to prevent him from escaping, he was taken into custody.

Johnson was taken to a nearby hospital to be medically evaluated for minor cuts and scrapes, the report says. Several deputies also received minor injuries, but are doing well. Once Johnson was cleared, he was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was held without bond.

Johnson was charged with false identification to law enforcement; disregarding or eluding law-enforcement commands, endangerment; driving after forfeiture of license; failure to obey lane markings; failure to wear a seatbelt (front seat); failure to carry or exhibit vehicle registration; and obstruction or resistance with threats or force.

On Wednesday morning, Johnson was arraigned in Spotsylvania General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 10, according to court records.

Most of the charges Johnson is facing are misdemeanors or traffic infractions, but disregarding or eluding law-enforcement commands is a Class 6 felony. If convicted of this charge, Johnson faces a possible sentence of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, under the Code of Virginia.