Jayden Ballard, 21, of Mechanicsville, was arrested following a vehicle pursuit that began after a reported shoplifting incident at the Target store on Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg. Police said Ballard allegedly fled the scene in a red Chrysler after merchandise was stolen from the store.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly refused to comply, maneuvered around traffic, and struck three vehicles while attempting to evade law enforcement. The pursuit continued onto Interstate 95 and into Stafford County, where additional assistance was provided by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police. The vehicle ultimately became disabled near mile marker 141 after a collision.
Police reported that Jayden Ballard fled on foot into a wooded area before being located and apprehended by a Fredericksburg Police K-9 team. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of possible injuries related to the apprehension and crash.
Ballard was charged with:
- Three Counts of Felony Hit and Run
- Felony Eluding
- Driving Without a License
- Obstruction
- Shoplifting/Altering Merchandise Over $1,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Over $1,000
- Wearing a Mask in Certain Places
- Retail Theft Over $5,000 Within 90 Days
Police also served Ballard on four outstanding warrants from Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County.