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The pursuit began around 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, when a deputy spotted a BMW with a loud exhaust speeding at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone on Onville Road, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver initially slowed down and turned on the hazard lights—but then sped off, leading deputies on a dangerous pursuit through Barrett Heights Road, Travis Lane, and Garrisonville Road before heading onto I-95 South.
During the chase, the driver blew through a stop sign, ran a red light, and weaved in and out of lanes at high speed, authorities said. Deputies attempted to deploy spike strips and make intentional vehicle contact, but the BMW evaded both.
The pursuit ended near mile marker 136, but deputies weren’t done.
Investigators identified the suspect as Joseph Ciulin, 19, of Stafford, and tracked him down to his home just as an Uber pulled up.
Inside the Uber were Ciulin, his wife, Mariana Covaciu, 18, and three children, police said.
Deputies later found the BMW abandoned on Lendall Lane with no child restraints inside.
According to police, Ciulin had removed the license plate and hid it in a baby bag, which Covaciu was carrying.
When asked why he ran from police, Ciulin reportedly gave a simple excuse: He was “tired.”
Ciulin was arrested and charged with:
Felony eluding;
- Three counts of child neglect;
- Reckless driving;
- Multiple traffic violations;
- Driving without a license.
Covaciu was charged with three counts of child neglect and obstruction of justice.
The three children were released to a responsible adult, and both suspects were booked into the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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