A late-night disturbance in downtown Fredericksburg turned into a police chase stretching into Stafford County and ended with a 22-year-old Bumpass man facing multiple criminal charges.
According to Fredericksburg Police, officers were called to the 1900 block of Princess Anne Street around 11:40 p.m. on May 23 after reports of a heated argument involving several intoxicated people.
Police say officers were trying to calm the situation when two people walked toward a nearby vehicle. Investigators say the driver then attempted to leave the parking lot recklessly and nearly struck several officers in the process.
An officer attempted a traffic stop, but police say the driver refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit that continued into Stafford County before the vehicle finally stopped near Butler Road.
Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without further incident.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered several empty alcohol containers and a firearm, according to police.
The driver was identified as Michael Brewbaker, 22, of Bumpass. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, eluding police, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and reckless driving on private property.
Police said Brewbaker was transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. The passenger was released without charges.
The incident adds to growing concerns across the Fredericksburg region about reckless driving and alcohol-related offenses, particularly in busy nightlife areas near downtown entertainment districts. While no officers or bystanders were injured, police say the situation could have ended much differently given the number of people in the area at the time.
Fredericksburg Police have not released additional details about the firearm recovered from the vehicle or whether further charges are possible.