Wanted Man Calls Attention to Himself; Now in Jail With Additional Charges

Photo byScott Rodgerson via Unsplash

WINCHESTER, Va. – A wanted man is now in custody after driving the wrong way on Interstate 81 and leading police on a high speed chase.

According to a media release from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the incident occurred on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

On I-81, a FSCO deputy observed a green Honda traveling the wrong way on the 313 exit (Millwood Pike).

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over. A pursuit ensued.

In his attempt to flee, the male suspect made several erratic maneuvers, including entering the Costco parking lot where he struck two parked vehicles before returning to the roadway. He made several u-turns on Costello Drive, Windy Hill and Garber Lane, before heading south on Front Royal Pike. The driver proceeded to run a red light at Crossover Boulevard and accelerated towards Papermill Road.

At a location in the suspect’s direction of travel, a second deputy was able to successfully deploy spike strips, and punctured 3 of the 4 tires on the Honda at Clydesdale Drive.The driver continued to flee.

As more deputies joined the pursuit, the suspect crossed into the northbound lanes of Front Royal Pike near Armel Road. He then drove off the east side of the road and onto private property where exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

The suspect was soon seen behind a property on Armel Road where a third deputy observed him jumping a tall privacy fence. Units were able to quickly secure the front and the rear of the property.

When the suspect came through the fence gate, he was taken into custody without incident. He has been identified as Matthew Gregory Grajeda, of Front Royal. It was soon discovered that Grajeda, 28, was wanted out of Warren County for a grand larceny charge. He is now facing additional charges of felony eluding, reckless driving, misdemeanor hit and run, felony hit and run, driving without a valid license, and several other traffic infractions.

Grajeda was transported to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention facility where he is currently being held without bond.