Augusta County, Virginia – A traffic stop on Interstate 81 escalated into a pursuit that ended in a Verona parking lot Thursday night.
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding around 9:30 p.m. on February 26 after it was observed traveling 83 mph on I-81.
Authorities said the vehicle exited at Verona, disregarded a stop sign, and continued onto Laurel Hill Road and through the Riverside subdivision before returning to Laurel Hill Road. The pursuit ended in the Food Lion parking lot in Verona, where deputies were able to pin the vehicle behind the building.
The driver allegedly fled on foot but was apprehended with assistance from a Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.
The driver was identified as Jerry Wayne Underwood Jr., 41, of Roanoke. According to the sheriff’s office, Underwood was wanted on two separate probation violations and now faces multiple additional charges, including felony eluding law enforcement, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug (third or subsequent offense), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Authorities said Underwood was transported to Augusta Health for treatment and later released. He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.
No injuries to deputies or the public were reported. The incident remains under investigation.
The pursuit may have briefly affected traffic near the Verona exit and Laurel Hill Road, a corridor frequently used by commuters and interstate travelers.
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