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It began around 11:10 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, when Michael Shelton struck another vehicle on Richmond Highway near Upton Lane, Sheriff David Decatur said.
The victim was heading north on Richmond Highway when Shelton's vehicle turned left in front of them and hit them, police said.
The scenario changed when Sergeant Jones was told the man behind the wheel of the suspect vehicle was not the real driver. The real driver had fled on foot.
With this updated information, Sergeant Jones requested additional deputies to set up a perimeter. The man behind the wheel tried to lie and say he was in fact the driver. When Sergeant Jones told him multiple witnesses and video evidence would prove otherwise, the fake driver stated his “buddy” was driving but he would not be ratting him out. He was then charged with obstruction of justice for hindering a felony hit and run investigation.
Deputy S.M. Eastman and K-9 Ruby arrived on scene at 11:28 a.m. and immediately began tracking Shelton. That Ruby was able to perform an incredible track and found the suspect behind a business on Bells Hill Road at approximately noon.
"As a result of the track, Ruby was given her favorite treat; whereas the suspect was detained in handcuffs," Decatur said.
Shelton later said he “freaked out” and ran, perhaps because he had no insurance and a revoked license. Shelton was charged with felony hit and run, driving while revoked, driving without insurance, reckless driving, and an improper display of his registration.
He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond, while the fake driver was issued a releasable warrant. There were no serious injuries reported in the crash.
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