A 56-year-old Stafford man received his fourth DUI offense after nearly striking a deputy’s vehicle.

On October 22nd at approximately 11:03 p.m. Deputy X.D. Bates was patrolling on Staffordboro Boulevard when he observed a Lincoln in front of him failing to maintain the lane of travel. While observing the vehicle, the driver would cut in front of Deputy Bates, causing Deputy Bates to quickly apply the brakes to avoid a crash.

With these less than desirable driving behaviors, Deputy Bates conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver, identified as Reginald Mitchell, had signs of intoxication, including the heavy odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person comparable to the strongest cologne. Mitchell advised he had been “periodically” drinking throughout the day and his last drink was only 15 minutes ago. Mitchell not only had a revoked license due to a prior DUI incident, but three prior DUI offenses. During the DUI investigation Mitchell advised he was “caught again.”

He was correct. Mitchell was charged with driving under the influence fourth offense within ten years, driving while revoked, second offense driving after forfeiture of his license, failure to maintain the lane of travel, and having no inspection sticker. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Drive sober or get pulled over.