Teen Arrested After High-Speed Chase In Stafford County: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A teenager faces several charges after a high-speed chase through Stafford County on Saturday night, the sheriff's office said. The chase eventually ended when the teen crashed in a home's front yard.

No injuries were reported in the chase or the crash, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Caleb Cooney. He was charged with two counts of felony eluding, two counts of obstruction, DUI second offense in five years, driving suspended, and several traffic infractions.

Cooney was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

If convicted of all charges, Cooney could face up to 14 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The chase began around 11 p.m. on Saturday on University Boulevard. A Stafford County deputy said he saw a grey Honda Civic speeding towards the back of his patrol car before the driver slammed on the brakes. The sudden stop caused the Honda to spin sideways in the street, authorities said.

The Honda made a U-turn and the deputy followed to pull him over, according to the police report. Instead of pulling over, the Honda driver turned off his headlights and sped up, the sheriff's office said. Authorities identified the driver of the Honda as Cooney.

"The suspect continued to Stafford Lakes Parkway, through a red traffic signal across Warrenton Road and into the parking lot of Aldi," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook. "The chase went through the parking lot of the 7-Eleven, back through the red traffic signal across Warrenton Road to Stafford Lakes Parkway."

The fleeing driver reached 80 miles per hour during the chase. Eventually, one of the Honda's tires started to deteriorate and the driver slowed down to about 50 miles per hour, deputies reported.

The driver eventually crashed the Honda in front of a home near Royal Crescent Way and Charter Gate.

"Believing the pursuit was over, deputies tried to call the driver out of the damaged Honda. Instead, he requested deputies turn off their emergency equipment and he would surrender after using his vape," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook. "The driver did not surrender, instead putting the car back in gear and initiating another pursuit to the cul-de-sac of Laurel Pine Court."

During the final portions of the chase, Cooney drove through multiple yards and rammed into a patrol car.

The chase eventually ended in a different front yard along Royal Crescent Way. Deputies said Cooney continued to resist as they took him into custody.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.