STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A 24-year-old Woodbridge man is facing several charges after leading police on a pursuit on I-95 Friday afternoon.
The pursuit began in Stafford County after a 9-1-1 caller reported that a fellow motorist brandished a gun at him while traveling on I-95 South at the 140 mile marker at approximately 12:40 p.m. The subject, who was later identified as Brian Richardson, was located at the 137 mile marker by Stafford deputies. Richardson appeared to be pulling over to the right shoulder, but then sped off southbound. Virginia State Police joined the pursuit as it continued down I-95.
Police say it was clear that there was a female passenger in the vehicle who appeared to be struggling with Richardson. Police also said Richardson, while driving erratically, was also holding a gun to his head.
The pursuit continued off of I-95 and on to Route 3 west in Spotsylvania County, then Fall Hill Avenue and then River Road. Officers attempted to force Richardson’s car off the road in the 5000 block of River Road, but Richardson’s car spun around and hit a tree before continuing west bound on River Road.
At the 6000 block of River Road, Richardson’s car hit a tree and stopped.He was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. His next stop will be the Magistrate’s Office in Stafford County where he will be formally charged with brandishing a firearm, felony eluding and possession of marijuana.
The female passenger was also hospitalized as a precaution. Once she is checked out she will be released with no charges, according to police.
The gun that Richardson was brandishing turned out to be a pellet gun, however a .45 caliber hand gun was also found inside the vehicle, which police say was stolen out of Prince William County. Richardson was also in possession of marijuana.
He is facing charges of brandishing a firearm, felony eluding and possession of marijuana.
Police are in the early stages of their investigation.
Stay with 8News for updates.
