Augusta County Guy was Arrested After Chasing a Stolen Car

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office said in a press statement that a man from Churchville was arrested after a car chase in Augusta County. The Augusta County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) said in a news release that Sheriff Donald Smith called on Tuesday, Dec. 26 to ask for help stopping a stolen car.

The stolen car reportedly belonged to Sheriff Smith and was being driven by Ronald William Smith, 41, who the ACSO said is Sheriff Donald Smith's brother. The ACSO described the car as a red 2000 International single axle semi-tractor with a gooseneck trailer attached.

Augusta County Guy ArrestedPhoto byWHSV

Sheriff Smith tried to stop the car on Churchville Avenue, but the Australian Police Service said it failed, and the chase continued. According to the ACSO, deputies tried to stop the chase by deflating the tires, but it did not work. The ACSO says that Ronald Smith intentionally hit a deputy's car in the parking lot at Clymore Elementary School and then tried to stick another deputy's car between the stolen truck and trailer.

The ACSO said that tire deflation devices were used again to stop the stolen car. They also said that a K-9 was sent to try to catch Ronald Smith but failed. The ACSO says Ronald Smith did not follow instructions and was carrying a hay spear like a long rifle, but officers found it to be a metal spear and not a rifle.

After a while, Ronald Smith was caught without any problems. The ACSO said he was taken to Augusta Health with bruises from the K-9 but was later released.

The ACSO said that Ronald Smith was charged with the following:

• 18.2-460, Obstruction of Justice
• 2 counts of 18.2-25/18.2-31, Attempted Aggravated Murder
• 3 Counts of 18.2-137, Felony Destruction of Property
• 18.2-266- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• 18.2-137. Misdemeanor Destruction of Property
• 46.2-817, Felony Eluding
• 18.2-102/46.2-390, Unauthorized Use of a vehicle

Ronald Smith is being held in Middle River Regional Jail without bond. "Even though I'm your sheriff, I have family issues and drug problems too." Sheriff Donald L. Smith said, "I'm very thankful that no one was seriously hurt by my brother's actions, and I commend my Deputies and the Virginia State Police for ending this safely."

The Source:

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