A third offense drunk driver was taken into custody in White Oak last night after a nearly 10 mile pursuit that started near the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The suspect’s night ended in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

On July 9th at 10:30 p.m. deputies received a lookout for a possible drunk driver in an orange Dodge Caliber traveling southbound on Richmond Highway. Sergeant K.P. Lytle located the vehicle near Hospital Center Boulevard and observed the driver was unable to maintain the lane of travel.

A traffic stop was attempted near the Rappahannock Regional Jail, which would have made this incident much more convenient, but the driver elected to initiate a pursuit. The driver continued southbound at speeds up to 80 mph, disregarded traffic signals and turned onto Layhill Road. Deputies attempted to get into position to deploy spike strips, but were unsuccessful.

The suspect continued at speeds in the 60 mph range before running the red traffic signal to turn right on Leeland Road. Another red light was overlooked as the suspect made a left onto Deacon Road. The suspect deployed the fake turn signal like he was going to turn left onto Brooke Road, but he actually turned right. Deputies were not fooled.

Finally, the driver made a wide right turn onto New Hope Church Road, overcorrected and went into the ditch. He had no hope of getting away as Sgt. Lytle blocked his path and Deputy C.C. Lee obstructed the rear escape route. The suspect did strike the rear of Sgt. Lytle’s patrol car, causing minor damage to both vehicles.

The driver was ordered out of the vehicle and was taken into custody. He was identified as Tony Trimble, 46, of King George. Trimble was charged with felony eluding, DUI third offense in five years, driving after forfeiture of license, failing to maintain the lane of travel, failing to obey traffic lights, failing to obey highway signs and throwing an inflammable object (cigarette) from the vehicle. He was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

There were no injuries to the driver or his passenger. The vehicle was ordered impounded for 30 days.