A 25-year-old Woodbridge man faces a number of charges after engaging law enforcement in speeds of up to 110 miles an hour.
On August 30th at 12:25 p.m. Lieutenant D.T. Diggs was travelling southbound on I-95 near the 141 mile-marker when he observed a black Mercedes on the shoulder behind him approaching at a high rate of speed. First Sergeant W.T, Johnson was also traveling southbound on I-95 on his marked Harley Davidson just ahead of Lt. Diggs.
It appeared the Mercedes driver noticed the law enforcement motorcycle and entered the flow of traffic in front of Lt. Diggs’ unmarked patrol vehicle. As the suspect pulled even with First Sgt. Johnson, both deputies activated their emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. Major Shawn Kimmitz says the suspect looked over at First Sgt. Johnson, smirked, and rapidly accelerated to initiate a pursuit.
Major Kimmitz says the suspect sped up to over 110 mph using the shoulder again in his attempt to escape justice. As deputies set up further South to deploy spike strips, the suspect took the Centreport Parkway exit and headed West toward Mountain View Road. Kimmitz says the suspect took the 90 degree curve too quickly and struck an oncoming car, disabling the Mercedes.
The driver and passenger fled from the damaged vehicle. Authorities say a perimeter was established, a drone used and K-9 teams activated. Within five minutes, as K-9 Titan closed in, both the driver and passenger were in custody.
The driver was identified as 25-year-old Daniel Mendoza of Woodbridge. He was charged with felony eluding, felony hit and run, reckless driving, driving suspended, no insurance, and fictitious registration.
The passenger was identified and released. The occupants of the struck vehicle were transported to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries.
State Police also existed. The Sheriff’s Office says K-9 teams of Sgt. B.U. Demirci and K-9 Titan and Deputy F.A. Martinez and K-9 Mija were used.
