High-Speed Pursuit Ends In Stafford Suspect's Own Backyard: Sheriff

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 26-year-old Stafford man is facing multiple charges after he tried to flee a Stafford County Sheriff's deputy early Wednesday by driving at speeds of up to 88 mph, according to authorities.

Around 12:16 a.m., a deputy was traveling southbound on Deacon Road when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction shot passed him at 77 mph in a 45 mph zone, according to the incident report.

After making a U-turn, the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the other vehicle stepped on the gas and sped off at speeds of up to 88 mph, according to the sheriff's office.

The driver made a left turn onto Ficklen Road and then a right onto Julian Drive, before trying to turn onto the driveway that investigators later determined to be the suspect's own home.

Due to the high rate of speed he was traveling, the driver missed the mark and struck a ditch, according to authorities. He then drove onto the grass between two houses, before stopping in his own backyard. The driver, who was identified as Kenneth Jones, surrendered to the deputy he had been trying to elude, according to the sheriff's office.

During the investigation, Jones appeared to be intoxicated and told authorities that he had been consuming alcohol. Investigators recovered a nearly empty beer bottle in Jones' vehicle, according to the report.

SCSO charged Jones with felony eluding, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between 0.15 and 0.2, drinking while driving, reckless driving, and vandalism to his neighbors’ yard, according to the incident report. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

On Wednesday morning, Jones was scheduled to be arraigned in Stafford General District Court, but the hearing was continued to 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, according to court records.

The DUI, reckless driving and destruction of property charges are Class 1 misdemeanors, which are each punishable by a jail sentence of up to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500, under the Code of Virginia.

If convicted of the eluding charge, which is a Class 6 felony, Jones could face imprisonment for 1-5 years, or in the judge or jury's discretion, up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, according to Virginia law.