A Henry County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 GMC Sierra towing a trailer at the intersection of Fairystone Park Highway and Crestview Road in Bassett on Saturday, October 19, around 9:51 p.m., touching off an alleged pursuit that spanned two localities.
Henry County Sheriff’s Capt. Sandy Hines alleged the driver of the vehicle disregarded the deputy’s emergency lights and sirens and accelerated to a high rate of speed. A vehicle pursuit ensued as the suspect traveled on Fairystone Park Highway towards Patrick County, at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles on the wrong side of the road.
Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith said the vehicle was a Chevrolet 1500 pickup pulling an asphalt sealing trailer.
The pursuit continued into Patrick County on Fairystone Park Highway, then onto Woolwine Highway, and subsequently onto Jeb Stuart Highway, heading towards Stuart. The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office took over the pursuit and attempted several Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuvers, which were unsuccessful due to the suspect traveling at such high speeds while towing the trailer.
During the pursuit, authorities allege the suspect contacted Patrick County E-911, stating that he was suicidal and threatening self-harm, further indicating he would not stop for law enforcement. The driver continued to pose a significant threat to public safety as he allegedly drove into oncoming traffic on Jeb Stuart Highway, forcing several vehicles off the road.
The pursuit re-entered Henry County, where Henry County Sheriff’s deputies resumed command of the pursuit. In the 1900 block of AL Philpott Highway, the suspect slowed down and crossed the median. Both a Henry County deputy and a Patrick County deputy successfully forced the vehicle off of the road, ending the pursuit and subsequently saving lives and property from further damage.
Daniel Sparrow, 42, of 215 Cedar Cove Lane, Spout Spring, Virginia, was taken into custody and charged with felony eluding, possession of Schedule II substance (cocaine), driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, obstructing justice, and resisting arrest.
Additionally, Sparrow had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation from Buckingham County, Virginia. Sparrow was transported to the Henry County Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers program offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information related to a crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the reward amount.
