06/13/2026
Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Leads to Arrest and Multiple Charges
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office received a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) notification from the Waynesboro Police Department regarding a stolen pickup truck that had failed to stop for a traffic signal within the City of Waynesboro. Officers with the Waynesboro Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver fled and was last observed traveling into Augusta County.
Shortly thereafter, Augusta County deputies encountered the suspect vehicle in the 700 block of Jefferson Highway. A deputy observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and entered radar at 95 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and continued to flee at an even higher rate of speed.
The pursuit continued onto Interstate 81 northbound, where deputies confirmed the vehicle was the stolen truck reported by the Waynesboro Police Department. During the pursuit, the suspect exited the interstate and later re-entered traveling southbound. The Virginia State Police successfully deployed tire deflation devices near the 225-mile marker. Despite sustaining damage, the suspect vehicle continued to flee until approximately 1:51 a.m., when the driver's side tire separated from the vehicle near Exit 222, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.
Upon stopping, seven occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot down an embankment into a wooded area behind Western State Hospital and the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. Two of the occupants were laying down in the bed of the pickup truck and were not visible to pursuing law enforcement personnel during the pursuit.
Deputies from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Virginia State Police, Staunton Police Department, and Waynesboro Police Department, established a perimeter and conducted a search of the area. Multiple juveniles were detained, and the adult driver was taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Gerson A. Rodriguez Rodriguez, 20, of Waynesboro. Rodriguez Rodriguez was charged with the following offenses:
•Drunk in Public (§18.2-388)
•Failure to Attach License Plates to Front and Rear of Vehicle (§46.2-715)
•Transporting a Person Under the Age of 16 in the Rear Cargo Area of a Pickup Truck (§46.2-1156.1)
•Abuse and Neglect of Children – Reckless Disregard for Life (5 Felony Counts) (§18.2-371.1)
•Possession of a Stolen Vehicle – Felony (§18.2-108)
•Felony Eluding (§46.2-817)
•Grand Larceny (§18.2-95 / §46.2-390)
•Fleeing from a Law Enforcement Officer (§18.2-460)
•Providing False Identity to Law Enforcement (§19.2-82.1)
•Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License (§46.2-301)
•Reckless Driving (§46.2-862)
Rodriguez Rodriguez is currently being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The Augusta County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Virginia State Police, Waynesboro Police Department, Staunton Police Department, Augusta County Fire-Rescue, and the Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad for their assistance during this incident.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated the suspects involved in the incident. No injuries were reported, and none of the individuals required medical treatment.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333.
This incident demonstrates the extreme dangers created when individuals choose to flee from law enforcement. Not only was the suspect operating a stolen vehicle at excessive speeds, but several juveniles were placed in significant danger throughout this pursuit. I am grateful for the professionalism and coordinated efforts of the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, Waynesboro Police Department, Staunton Police Department, and our public safety partners whose actions helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion without injury to the occupants, law enforcement officers, or the public.
