Crime & Safety
High-Speed Chase Ends in Ditch in Stafford: Police
An officer tried to make a traffic stop but the driver fled at speeds topping 80 mph, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.
STAFFORD, VA — An expired inspection sticker led to a high speed chase Monday afternoon on southbound Route 1 that ended in a ditch near the Carnaby Street intersection, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.
Douglas Edward Howard, 59, of Tobelt Court in Stafford, was charged with felony eluding, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with an expired inspection sticker.
Shortly before 3 p.m., an officer headed north on Route 1 noticed a black, four-door Toyota with an expired inspection sticker. The officer made a U-turn and attempted a traffic stop but Howard instead accelerated and hit speeds of more than 80 mph.
Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Soon thereafter, he lost control and ran into the ditch. Police said Howard had a strong odor of alcohol.
Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office
Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
