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Spotsy Driver Takes Deputies On 13-Mile High-Speed Pursuit In Fauquier County: Sheriff

A speeding driver from Spotsylvania who took members of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office on a lengthy high-speed pursuit is facing a host of charges after being apprehended, authorities announced.

James Arthur Pennybacker

James Arthur Pennybacker

Photo Credit: Fauquier County Sheriff

What could have been a simple speeding stop for Spotsylvania Courthouse resident James Arthur Pennybacker in Warrenton landed him behind bars following a chase on Monday night. 

A deputy from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office on patrol at around 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 4 on Winchester Road spotted Pennybacker going 77 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, prompting an attempted traffic stop, though the driver had other ideas.

Pennybacker began driving recklessly at speeds clocked at around 110 mph, swerving around traffic on Route 17 and onto the northbound lanes of Route 29, where he sped through a red light at Dumfries Road and ran another vehicle off the road.

According to a spokesperson from the sheriff's office, a second deputy joined the fray, and prepared a spike strip to slow Pennybacker near the intersection of Riley Road, at which point he attempted a U-turn in the area, though a deputy was able to immobilize his vehicle after a pursuit that was an estimated 10 minutes and covered 13 miles.

Pennybacker was uncooperative, investigators said, and was carrying a concealed bladed weapons, though he was ultimately removed from the vehicle and handcuffed. 

Pennybacker was charged with: 

  • Felony eluding;
  • Felony driving while revoked;
  • Felony carrying a concealed weapon;
  • Reckless driving;
  • Open container;
  • Multiple traffic violations.

He was held on Tuesday at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center without bond.

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