Man's Odd Attempt to Avoid Arrest Fails in Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA — A man was arrested Tuesday night after casually driving away from the scene of a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Brent Point Road and Arkendale Road and later refusing to open the door of his residence to an investigating officer, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Paul Joseph Magner, 39, of Decatur Road, was charged with felony hit and run, obstructing justice, falsely summoning police, driving on a revoked license and driving with no insurance.

Shortly before 9 p.m., police responded to a report of a hit and run, and the male victim said an oncoming blue Ford SUV had crossed into his lane and hit him, causing considerable damage to the driver's side of the vehicle.

The other driver got out of his Ford, identified himself only as "Paul," and said he didn't want to get police or insurance companies involved. He then returned to the Ford and drove away, almost hitting the victim again while doing so.

The victim didn't get the license plate numbers but described Magner as a thin, white male about 5-10, 160 pounds, with long brown hair in a ponytail and a long goatee.

A be-on-the-lookout bulletin was posted with patrol units, and one officer recognized the description as someone who lived in the area. He went to the home and saw a blue Ford SUV in the driveway with damage to the front.

The officer rang the doorbell and then heard sounds coming from the garage, where he saw the Magner, who refused to open the door and instead called 911 several times to report an officer trespassing on his property.

His mother then went outside and asked the deputy to leave. So warrants were obtained, and Magner was arrested after a short struggle.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office