A wanted and drunk Spotsylvania man was caught by deputies, and a fence, during a grand larceny and trespassing attempt.

On May 22nd at approximately 11:32 p.m. deputies responded to Manheim Auto Auction, located at 120 Auction Drive, for a disturbance. Staff advised a shirtless man walked onto the property despite the clearly labeled authorized personnel only signs. It was further advised the underdressed gentleman got into a Toyota that belonged to the business and was driving it. Much like Goldilocks, the suspect decided that vehicle wasn’t for him, but a blue F-150 was just right. He would begin his unscheduled test drive as Deputy J.A. Martin arrived.

When Deputy Martin arrived, he observed the now stolen Ford in motion and activated his emergency equipment. The suspect immediately bailed out of the vehicle and began running on foot before even putting the vehicle in park. The stolen vehicle would roll forward and strike unoccupied vehicles. Deputy Martin would give chase to the suspect. Due to not knowing if the suspect was armed, when Deputy Martin lost visual of the suspect, he stayed at the last known location the suspect was at until additional deputies could arrive.

Sergeant J.T. Forman was one of the deputies who arrived to assist and observed the suspect attempting to hide in a semi-truck. The suspect would once again flee on foot, this time heading towards the tree line. The suspect was located bedded down in the thick underbrush just outside a barbed wire fence. Despite that, his hiding spot was uncovered. The suspect was clearly ready to surrender at this point, as he began to beg to be handcuffed. His compliance became commendable as he scaled the fence to submit to the arrest. Unfortunately, his jean shorts got caught on the barbed wire and deputies had to extricate him.

The suspect, Dante Mines Jr., 22, had clear signs of intoxication, and admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident. Mines was also wanted out of Caroline County for two capias offenses, one of which being a felony. Mines advised if he was going to get caught he was going to make deputies “work for it.” A challenge Stafford residents know deputies don’t shy away from.

Mines was charged with two counts of attempted grand larceny, two counts of obstruction of justice, driving under the influence, hit and run, trespassing, and eluding police. He was also served on his two outstanding warrants and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.