Man who overdosed on drugs while driving stolen car in New Kent receives nine month jail sentence

A Richmond man will spend nine months in jail after pleading guilty to grand theft auto during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.
Patrick Randolph Roberts, 49, of the 200 block of Q Street, Richmond, entered the guilty plea as part of an agreement reached in court.

In a summary of evidence provided by Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory, Joseph Harvey reported to police that his vehicle was stolen out of Richmond around 10 a.m. Later that evening, a Virginia State Trooper received a call that a vehicle driving recklessly eastbound on Interstate 64 near mile marker 212 in New Kent. When the officer located the vehicle, he noticed the driver had passed out while the vehicle was still in gear. The trooper was able to put the car in park and began to revive the driver with Narcan. The driver, identified as Roberts, was taken to the hospital and later arrested after information from the vehicle came back that it had been stolen.

Under the agreement, Roberts received a 10-year sentence with all but nine months suspended. He must pay $600 in restitution and also entering into the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center upon his release.

In other circuit court proceedings, one charge each of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor intimidating a police officer were dismissed against Donna Carroll Williams, 42, and Eric Tremaine Williams Jr., 21, both of the 1400 block of Quaker Road. The courts ruled that the fourth amendment had been violated prior to the defendants being arrested.