STUARTS DRAFT, Va. — An Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACAO) deputy attempted to stop a speeding vehicle Thursday night, leading to a brief pursuit.
At about 8:10 p.m. Dec. 4, 2025, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling more than 70 mph in a posted 45 mph zone in the 3000 block of Stuarts Draft Highway.
When emergency equipment was activated, the vehicle, identified as a 2023 Hyundai sedan, accelerated and attempted to flee.
The pursuit continued through several streets, including Draft Avenue, Hodge Street and Lake Road, before returning to Howardsville Turnpike.
The vehicle then left the roadway and traveled through a field off Patton Farm Road.
The vehicle eventually stopped near the intersection of Mount Vernon Road and Stuarts Draft Highway.
Deputies identified the driver as a 17-year-old juvenile. The driver’s name was not released in accordance with state law.
The ACAO posted the following statement on social media:
The Sheriff’s Office reminds parents to educate their children that eluding law enforcement is a felony offense and inherently dangerous, placing the juvenile, innocent motorists, the community, and law enforcement personnel at significant risk. Please use this incident as a harsh reality that these choices have major consequences.
Authorities said multiple charges are pending in this incident.
