Third time’s the charm. The suspect behind stealing and returning a vehicle on Castlebury Court was found and charged last night.

On October 6th and 8th deputies responded to Castlebury Court for a vehicle larceny. In both incidents, the victim had his Honda Insight stolen for a few hours before it would return, almost like magic. During the incident on October 8th, the victim chased the suspect on foot and was able to describe the thief as a young black male with an afro-style haircut.

On October 16th at approximately 9:01 p.m. Deputy W.E. Trainor responded to the same address for the same offense. Due to the pattern of the vehicle in question being stolen then shortly returned, deputies began monitoring the area for the eventual return of the Insight.

At approximately 10:34 p.m. Deputy X.D. Bates observed the vehicle traveling Southbound on Richmond Highway in the area of Austin Park Drive. As Deputy Bates got behind the vehicle, which was having a hard time maintaining the lane of travel, he informed Deputy S. Waheed of the vehicle’s location. As the vehicle turned onto Bells Hill Drive, which only has one way in or out, the two deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the stolen vehicle would attempt to make a U-turn to avoid capture; however, Deputy Waheed cut off his exit route with his own vehicle. Now that fleeing by wheels was not an option, the driver elected to flee on foot. The vehicle would roll into Deputy Waheed’s vehicle as the driver was quickly apprehended by Deputy Bates. The driver would continue his attempts to flee, but was outmatched and placed into handcuffs. Meanwhile, the passenger knew better than to flee and peacefully sat in the passenger seat with his hands in the air, waiting to be detained.

The driver, identified as G’avontai Mul-Key, 22, of Stafford, left behind a trail of little blue pills during his fleeing attempt. These pills are commonly associated with fentanyl. Mul-Key advised he first stole a set of the vehicle’s keys when he noticed it was unlocked. He would then proceed to go on a “joy ride” whenever he stole the vehicle. Mul-Key was discovered to have no driver’s license. The passenger, identified as Carlos Shutts, 21, of Stafford, gave consent to be searched and was also discovered to be in possession of suspected fentanyl pills. During a more thorough search at the jail, he was found to be in possession of even more controlled substances.

Mul-Key was charged with two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, grand larceny, felony eluding, obstruction of justice, possession of controlled substances, driving without a license, and the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. Shutts was charged with possession of controlled substances and felony by a prisoner. He was held on a $3,000 secured bond.

Great work to deputies for not only ending the constant theft of a vehicle, but removing dangerous drugs off the streets. If you want to be a part of the amazing men and women of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, we are currently hiring. Join our commitment to excellence today at Staffordsheriff.com/join