“You wanna go where everybody knows your name” was the chorus in the Cheers Theme song, but it certainly doesn’t apply to wanted suspects coming into Stafford County!

Yesterday at 11:32 a.m. Deputy J.E. Alford learned that Travis Ward, 38, of Spotsylvania, was currently in North Stafford operating a red Pontiac G6. This is important since not only did Ward lack a driver’s license, he was wanted in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Fairfax. Why Ward thought it was safe to come into Stafford County is as much a mystery as the Great Unconformity.

Deputy Alford located Ward traveling westbound on Garrisonville Road near Staffordboro Boulevard. A traffic stop was attempted, but Ward accelerated through American Automotive across a grassy strip into the parking lot of Jiffy Lube. There was no stop for an oil change as Ward continued onto Clement Drive, initiating a pursuit.

Ward turned right onto Staffordboro Boulevard and ignored the red traffic signal as he turned left onto eastbound Garrisonville Road. Deputy Alford seized the opportunity to use intentional vehicle contact to end the pursuit in the 100 block of Garrisonville Road.

Unfortunately, Ward was able to avoid a complete spin of the Pontiac and drove over the median headed eastbound in the westbound lanes. He only made it a few yards before he struck a westbound SUV, ending his flight by vehicle. Fortunately, there were no injuries in the crash.

Ward proceeded to bolt from the Pontiac continuing the chase into the parking lot of the aptly named Chase Bank. Ward’s camouflage shirt did little to conceal him in the urban environment. Even in the small copse of trees beside the bank, he was easily identifiable.

The foot pursuit continued to the front of Jersey Mike’s, where Ward seemed to pause in front of the brick façade. Again, the camouflage was ineffective and Ward was promptly tackled by a Spotsylvania Detective.

Ward was served the outstanding warrants and added the charges of felony eluding, felony hit and run, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, no license, disregarding a traffic signal, no registration, no insurance and no seatbelt. He was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Thank you to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this apprehension.