While serving a search warrant, deputies observed a stolen vehicle, which resulted in two arrests and a man hunt.

On the afternoon of June 25th, members of the Special Problems Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, and SWAT Team responded to Cynthias Place to locate a wanted suspect, and execute a search warrant. The information regarding that suspect and his arrest was covered in an earlier release. During their time in the area, deputies observed a Toyota Corolla that was discovered to be stolen from Spotsylvania County.

While continuing their efforts for the search warrant, deputies began to follow the suspect vehicle until it made a stop in the area of Kendrick Court. Deputies moved in for a high-risk traffic stop when the driver reversed into an unmarked cruiser, sped over a curb, down an embankment, and through a ditch onto Plantation Drive. As deputies followed the vehicle Southbound on Plantation Drive, the doors of the vehicle opened and all three occupants bailed out.

The driver, identified as Steven Banks Jr., 32, of Fredericksburg, ran up to an occupied minivan and attempted to force himself into it, breaking the door handle in the process. When the minivan drove off, he accepted defeat and surrendered to deputies. He was wanted out of Spotsylvania County for two counts of failure to appear, wanted out of Fredericksburg for grand larceny, fleeing law enforcement, disregarding law enforcement commands, obstruction of justice, hit and run with damages above $1,000, second offense driving without a license, as well as, reckless driving. Due to his actions, he was served on his outstanding charges, as well as, earned Stafford charges for eluding police, possession of stolen goods, conspiracy to commit larceny, three counts of destruction of property valued over $1,000, carjacking, as well as, driving without a license. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The front passenger, identified as Janiya Warren, 25, of Ruther Glen, also ran from the vehicle; however, did not get far before being detained. She was found to be in possession of controlled substances. Due to her actions, she was charged with eluding police, obstruction of justice, possession of controlled substances, and conspiracy to commit larceny. She too was held without bond.

The rear passenger fled into the nearby woods. Additional deputies, as well as K-9, responded to search for the suspect. Unfortunately, after an extensive search, he was not located. Despite that, evidence was located where deputies observed that suspect sitting within the vehicle that might assist the investigation to learn his identity.

The unidentified suspect was described as a six-foot-tall black male in his early twenties who was wearing a blue hoodie with white writing. If you have any information, please reach out to the Sheriff’s Office.