Stafford County, VA – In a coordinated effort involving the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police, three men were apprehended following a high-speed pursuit that concluded on Centreport Parkway.
On July 23rd at approximately 5:36 PM, First Sergeant A.I. Assur spotted a wanted suspect driving a black Honda Civic on Kings Highway. Unable to conduct an immediate traffic stop, he broadcasted the vehicle description to nearby deputies and Virginia State Police. The vehicle was soon located traveling northbound on Richmond Highway near Centreport Parkway.
Deputy J.W. McAlister attempted a high-risk stop, but the driver fled at high speed onto I-95 northbound, then exited westbound onto Courthouse Road before re-entering I-95 southbound towards Centreport Parkway. Deputy McAlister, using a P.I.T. maneuver, successfully forced the vehicle off the road and up an embankment, ending the pursuit. One deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital as a precaution.
The three occupants of the suspect vehicle fled on foot. The driver, Nicholas Morales, 28, of Woodbridge, attempted to flee across the I-95 northbound ramp but was quickly apprehended by Deputy B.E. Vaughn. Morales exhibited signs of intoxication, and a Drug Recognition Expert, Deputy D.S. Jett, conducted field sobriety tests and collected a blood sample for testing. Morales discarded a bottle containing suspected controlled substances during his escape attempt.
The back passenger, Ajee Whitter, 30, of Arlington, ran across Centreport Parkway but was apprehended by Deputy B.W. Gildea. Whitter was wanted by the U.S. Marshals for an escape offense.
The front passenger, Raymond Whalen, 24, of Chantilly, fled into nearby woods. Sergeant B.U. Demirci lost sight of him but found his shoes. K-9 officer Deputy F.A. Martinez deployed his partner, Mija, who tracked Whalen, leading deputies to his location. Whalen fled again but was captured by members of the SWAT team, who had established a perimeter.
Charges:
- Nicholas Morales: Felony eluding, driving while revoked, felony hit and run, eluding police on foot, obstruction of justice, littering, possession of controlled substances, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. Morales was also wanted for felony eluding, reckless driving, driving while revoked, and expired registration. He is held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
- Ajee Whitter: Felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, eluding police on foot, and wanted for escape by U.S. Marshals. Held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
- Raymond Whalen: Felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, and eluding police on foot. Held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office commended the teamwork of all involved and extended thanks to Virginia State Police and the SWAT team. They also wished a speedy recovery to the injured deputy.
