Traffic stop turns high-speed chaos as driver refuses to pull over

Traffic stop turns high-speed chaos as driver refuses to pull over - photo licensed by shore news network.

Stafford man arrested after 80mph police chase ends in crash near I-95

STAFFORD, VA – A routine traffic violation turned into a high-speed pursuit through Stafford County on Wednesday after a driver attempting an illegal U-turn fled from deputies, ultimately crashing near the I-95 northbound on-ramp.

Deputy Helbing of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office initially spotted the vehicle stopped in traffic while trying to make an illegal U-turn on Warrenton Road. As the deputy approached to give the driver a chance to comply, the vehicle instead completed the maneuver and took off — prompting an immediate pursuit.

The driver, later identified as Joshua Burton, 30, of Stafford, accelerated to speeds over 80 mph in a 45 mph zone, weaving between vehicles and ignoring commands to stop. The pursuit continued northbound on Warrenton Road, where Burton ran a red light and made another illegal U-turn before slamming into two other vehicles near the interstate on-ramp.

Traffic stop turns high-speed chaos as driver refuses to pull over - photo licensed by shore news network.
Traffic stop turns high-speed chaos as driver refuses to pull over - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network

Despite the collision, no injuries were reported at the scene. Burton was taken into custody without further incident and is now facing multiple charges including:

  • Eluding
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Illegal U-turn
  • Driving an unregistered vehicle
  • No insurance

Burton is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Authorities have not released the extent of the damage to the other vehicles involved, but confirmed that no one was transported for medical treatment.

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Key Points

  • Joshua Burton, 30, fled police during a traffic stop and led deputies on a high-speed chase
  • The pursuit ended in a crash near the I-95 northbound ramp; no injuries reported
  • Burton faces charges including eluding, suspended license, and illegal U-turn
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