Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

STAFFORD, Va. — A motorcyclist was arrested Friday morning after a failed attempt to evade Stafford County deputies during a high-speed chase. The incident began on August 31, 2024, at approximately 6:44 a.m., when Sergeant R.W. Jones, driving an unmarked Sheriff’s Office vehicle, noticed a motorcycle rapidly approaching from behind on Cambridge Street.

The motorcycle, driven by 22-year-old Timothy Southard of Spotsylvania, passed Sgt. Jones at 87 mph in a 45 mph zone and continued speeding northbound. Sgt. Jones activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, but Southard accelerated further, running a red light at Centreport Parkway before disappearing near Perchwood Drive.

Deputies quickly broadcasted a lookout and began searching the area, suspecting that Southard had not traveled far. Their search led them to a business on Perchwood Drive, where they spotted the motorcycle and attempted to make contact. Southard once again fled on the motorcycle, but his escape was short-lived. As he attempted to navigate a curb onto the grass beside the business, he lost control, fell off the bike, and was quickly detained by Sgt. Jones.

Southard was arrested and charged with felony eluding, reckless driving, disregarding a red light, improper registration, and operating without a motorcycle endorsement. He is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 bond.

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