VIRGINIA — A Claudville man wanted on drug charges was taken into custody Tuesday after leading deputies on a chase that ended with a crash, according to the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Dan Smith said deputies were in the area of Pedigo Road on August 19 searching for 55-year-old Kenneth Dane Gray, who had failed to appear in court on charges of distributing methamphetamine.
When deputies spotted Gray driving a Chevy pickup, he sped off near the intersection of Pedigo Ridge Road, Unity Church Road, and Homeplace Road.
Deputies deployed spike strips along Homeplace Road, puncturing the truck’s front tires, but Gray continued driving and eventually crossed onto Ararat Highway.
A pursuing deputy used a PIT maneuver to force Gray off the road, causing him to lose control and strike the side of the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department building.
Gray was arrested at the scene. Deputies reported seizing a loaded handgun and about two ounces of suspected methamphetamine from the vehicle.
He is being held without bond at the Patrick County Jail, and additional charges are pending.
