Driving under influence of drugs lands Providence Forge man in jail for four months

A Providence Forge man will spend the next four months in jail after being found guilty on two misdemeanor charges related to a car accident on Feb. 5, 2020.

Melvin Darnell Randall Jr., 26, of the 5800 block of Yellow Jasmine Terrance, entered no contest pleas to one count each of misdemeanor DUI (first offense) and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He also entered a not guilty plea to one count of misdemeanor contempt of court but stipulated the evidence would be enough to convict him of the offense. One charge of possession of a controlled substance was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, on the aforementioned date a New Kent deputy patrolling on Farmer’s Drive clocked a vehicle speeding 83 miles per hour in a 45-miles per hour zone. When the officer attempted to catch up, the vehicle accelerated to speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. The suspect’s vehicle eventually crashed into another vehicle, ending the pursuit.

The defendant, now identified as Randall, was detained and questioned about the incident. Randall told the deputy that he had tried cocaine for the first time and smoked marijuana prior to driving the vehicle. After the defendant was placed into custody, it was determined that a juvenile was riding in the vehicle with Randall, resulting in the contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge. The contempt of court conviction was the result of the defendant not showing up for court on Oct. 26, 2020.

Randall received a 12-month sentence with 10 months suspended (two months to serve) on the misdemeanor DUI conviction. He must also pay a $500 fine as part of his punished. He received an additional 12-month sentence with 10 months suspended (two months to serve) on the contributing to the delinquency of a minor conviction. All 10 days on the contempt of court charge were suspended.