Police Arrest Driver Following Chase in Harrisonburg

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Updated: 12:26 PM Feb 9, 2010 Police Arrest Driver Following Chase in Harrisonburg Harrisonburg Police have arrested a driver who they say led them on a chase for miles. Posted: 8:21 PM Feb 8, 2010	Raymond Charles Ward

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A Waynesboro man in behind bars after leading police on a high speed chase Monday night from Elkton to Harrisonburg.

The chase ended after the driver of the Mazda Miata lost control and crashed into the mediam of Route 33.

HPD assisted the Elkton Police Department with a pursuit that ended in the City of Harrisonburg.

Raymond Ward, 45, of Waynesboro was charged by HPD with reckless driving, eluding police, and assault and battery on a police officer.

Officers deployed stops sticks at Country Club Road and East Market street.

Police say Ward ran over the sticks but didn't stop until losing control of the vehicle, flipping the car on its side and into the median at the intersection of Route 33 and Burgess Road.

Officers say open alcohol containers were found in the vehicle but they have not yet determined if alcohol was a contributing factor.

Police say Ward was not seriously hurt.

Latest Comments

Posted by: carly4500 Location: Timberville. Va. on Feb 15, 2010 at 06:01 PM

"Ping" & "Sister" ~ I TOTALLY AGREE With Both Of You ~ I Was a Correctional Officer for Over 10 Years with the State of Florida, Department of Corrections ~ Trust Me ~ I have Seen with my very own Eyes ~ Mentally Ill Inmates ~ with long sentences placed on them for this very type of crime as well as other crimes ~ Your Brother should have a Caring & Compassionate Attorney to represent him 1st of all and 2nd call "VAIL" for assistance ~ They Help People With Disabilities in the Valley ~ They "might" be able to "help get" him "Cleared" of these Charges or at least get them "reduced" ..... Even though I don't know the extenuating circumstances ~ I would venture to say that he acted out of "FEAR" ... Understand --- that People With Mental Illness tend to "self medicate" to try & "deal" with their illness & it sounds possible in Mr. Wards case with the "alcohol containers found" ... Just wanted to let you know that some "Former Law Enforcement" are on Your Side, hun Good Luck.

Posted by: sister Location: USA on Feb 10, 2010 at 11:16 PM

First, I would like to thank "Ping", your comment is highly appropriate for my brother's situation. This situation wouldn't have happened in the first place had the magistrate in Staunton two weeks ago agreed that my brother needed mental health care. At that time, both the Waynesboro police and community service recommended that my brother receive an evaluation to be admitted to the hospital. The police actually took him from his house in order to receive care. Yes, the magistrate declined! Do you think my brother would be in this situation now? This is the fault of the Staunton magistrate--let's seek justice and change in our system! There are too many people in our blessed country (possibly your sister, your child, one of your loved ones, someone you don't even know yet) who need care but do not receive it until they hurt themselves or others. I ask you, does that seem logical? It is time for change.

Posted by: Ping Location: Va on Feb 10, 2010 at 11:50 AM

Do not judge till you have walked a mile in another man's shoes. Even then, judge carefully and respectfully and with deep thought. Mr. Ward is NOT a criminal or a trouble maker. He is one of the most brilliant and kind hearted people I know. I'm praying for his safekeeping and the best outcome possible in this most unusual and situation.

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