Drivers Charged With Racing At Speeds Of 90 Miles Per Hour On Route 1 In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Two men were accused of racing on Jefferson Davis Highway in Stafford on Wednesday, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. A deputy claimed that the two men reached speeds of more than 90 miles per hour.

At 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday, a Stafford County deputy was driving northbound near Foreston Woods Drive when two vehicles passed him at high speeds going southbound, according to a report from the sheriff's office. The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop as the two racing vehicles ran a red light and turned onto Foreston Woods Drive.

After running the red light, one of the vehicles stopped. Authorities identified the driver of the stopped vehicle as Luke Brackney. During the traffic stop, the deputy learned that Brackney's license was suspended. The deputy also found an open alcohol container in the vehicle and a suspected controlled substance in Brackney's pocket, according to a report published by the sheriff's office.

Brackney was arrested and charged with DUI, reckless driving by speed, reckless driving racing, possession of a controlled substance, driving suspended, drinking while driving and the traffic signal violation. He was originally held on a $2,000 bond.

Meanwhile, deputies in the area converged on a nearby apartment complex to search for the other vehicle, a gray Ford Taurus. The sheriff's office said a deputy found the vehicle parked "catawampus" near 112 White Pine Circle.

"A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of a 6 foot tall, 225 pound Christian Peranio attempting to conceal himself behind a 6 inch diameter tree," the sheriff's office wrote in their report. "Obviously, this hiding spot was ineffective and Peranio, 27, of Stafford was taken into custody."

An open container of alcohol was also found in Peranio's car, police said. He was arrested and charged with DUI, reckless driving by speed, reckless driving racing, eluding and drinking while driving. He was initially held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 bond.

"If the race was to see who would arrive at jail first, Brackney won with a time of 3:21 a.m., while Peranio clocked in at 3:57 a.m.," the sheriff's office said.