Suspect in chase that left officers injured among Charles City indictments
Andrew Leroy Williams
Three people, including a man who led Charles City officers on a high-speed chase that resulted in injuries to two officers, were among those indicted by a grand jury during Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court.
Andrew Leroy Williams, 34, of the 7000 block of Church Lane, Charles City, was indicted on one count each of felony eluding, leaving the scene of an accident, unauthorized use of a vehicle, misdemeanor driving suspended, and misdemeanor reckless driving.
On May 20, Williams allegedly was involved in a high-speed chase on Route 5 (John Tyler Memorial Highway). Around 1:30 p.m. on that day, Captain Jayson Crawley pulled over a vehicle after it was clocked for speeding. When Crawley approached the suspect’s vehicle and asked for information, the alleged driver, Williams, responded that he didn’t have a license before taking off on Route 5.
A chase ensued, with speeds eclipsing the 100 miles per hour barrier. Leading up to the intersection of The Glebe Lane and Route 5, Crawley was joined by Deputy Charlie Hargis, who was exiting from Haupt’s Store located on Route 5. While pulling out, the deputies’ vehicles collided with each other, along with a third vehicle. The suspect’s car crashed at the intersection of Route 5 and Route 155 (Courthouse Road) about half-a-mile away, with the suspect taking off on foot.
County schools went on lockdown nearby, with police tracking the suspect near the rear of the high school track. Deputies, state police, and law enforcement officers from neighboring jurisdictions joined in the manhunt, entering woodlands. SWAT team members and helicopters also joined in the search. Williams was apprehended shortly before 7 p.m. at Niceview Farm, located on South Lott Cary Road and about three miles away from the accident scene.
Crawley and Hargis were airlifted to local medical facilities and were later released. Both officers have recovered for the most part. Williams is scheduled for trial on Oct. 23.
Other indictments handed down by the grand jury include:
–Kelly Marie Fuqua, 40, of the 11000 block of Green Oak Road, Providence Forge, on one count of DUI (third offense). Fuqua allegedly drove through a cornfield while intoxicated on June 5, destroying a number of valuable crops. She had previously been indicted on felony destruction of property.
–David Scott Yates Sr., 46, of the 4500 block of Rocking Horse Lane, Charles City, on one count of extortion. Yates allegedly committed the offense while in a holding cell in Charles City last May 6.