Armed man leads police on chase in Stafford, Spotsylvania counties

WASHINGTON — A man is in custody after leading police on a chase from Stafford County into Spotsylvania County Friday afternoon.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office say dispatchers received a 911 call from a motorist on Interstate 95 at about 12:40 p.m. saying another motorist was waving a gun at him near the 140 mile marker.

Police caught up with the driver, 24-year-old Brian Richardson, near the 137 mile marker on I-95. Initially, Richardson appeared to be pulling over to the shoulder, but then sped off on southbound I-95.

Authorities chased Richardson on I-95, and during the pursuit, police noticed there was a woman in the passenger seat of the vehicle who appeared to be struggling with Richardson. Also, the Woodbridge resident appeared to be holding a gun to his head while driving erratically.

The pursuit continued off the interstate, south to Route 3, west in Spotsylvania County and finally ended when Richardson struck a tree and stopped near the 5000 block of River Road.

Officials say the weapon Richardson was waving was a pellet gun. However, they also found a stolen hand gun in the vehicle. Also, Richardson was in possession of marijuana.

Emergency crews transported Richardson and the female passenger to an area hospital as a precaution.

Upon his release, Richardson will be transported to the Magistrate’s Office in Stafford County to be formally charged. Richardson is facing charges of brandishing, felony eluding and possession of marijuana.

The woman will not face charges.

Sarah Beth Hensley

Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.

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