Three charged in high-speed chase that left deputy hurt in Stafford County

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said three people are facing several charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase Tuesday evening .

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., deputies observed a black Honda Civic that was allegedly wanted. The Sheriff’s Office said deputies attempted to stop the car but the driver, 28-year-old Nicholas Morales, of Woodbridge, refused and a pursuit began.

The Sheriff’s Office said Morales started going at a high rate of speed and drove onto I-95 and eventually got off at Courthouse Road before getting back on the Interstate, toward Centreport Parkway. As the chase continued, deputies alerted the Virginia State Police and SWAT Team to help with the pursuit.

Deputies said as Morales exited I-95, they made intentional contact and the car swerved off the road and into an embankment.

That’s when Morales and two passengers, Raymond Whalen, 24, of Chantilly, and Ajee Whitter, 30, of Arlington exited the car and started running, according to officials.

After a brief foot chase and with the help of a K-9, all three suspects were taken into custody.

Officials said a deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the crash and was flown to the hospital out of precaution.

Morales was charged with felony eluding, driving while revoked, felony hit and run, eluding police on foot, obstruction of justice, littering, possession of controlled substances, reckless driving, and failure to maintain his lane. Deputies learned he was wanted out of Prince William County on several charges including reckless driving.

Whalen was charged with felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, and eluding police on foot.

Whitter was charged with felony failure to report a hit and run with injury, and eluding police on foot. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Whitter was wanted by U.S. Marshals for an escape.

All three suspects are being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.