Warrenton, Virginia – A high-speed chase across Fauquier County culminated in the arrest of a Norfolk, Virginia man and the apprehension of two other individuals after a vehicle was identified as stolen out of Virginia Beach. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, involved speeds reaching 120 miles per hour and a subsequent collision with a Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office cruiser.
According to the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the pursuit began after deputies identified the stolen vehicle using a license plate reader in the town of Warrenton. An initial attempt to conduct a traffic stop on the Eastern Bypass proved unsuccessful, prompting deputies to initiate a chase. The driver of the vehicle immediately accelerated, reaching speeds of 120 mph in a 55 mph zone.
The driver continued north on Route 17, frequently passing other vehicles on the shoulder of the road in a reckless manner. As traffic became heavier, the driver reportedly slowed down, abruptly changed lanes, and collided with a Sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser. Following the impact, the vehicle lost control, struck a snow embankment, rolled over, and came to rest facing the wrong direction on the roadway.
Deputies reported that all three occupants initially refused to exit the vehicle after it stopped. They were subsequently assisted out of the vehicle and detained at the scene. All three individuals were examined by emergency medical personnel before being transported to Fauquier Hospital for further evaluation.
A 14-year-old female was examined and released from the hospital and into custody. The driver was identified as Dazour Brown, a 22-year-old resident of Norfolk, Virginia. Brown was discharged from the hospital and taken to the Fauquier Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond. He faces charges of eluding law enforcement and child endangerment.
The stolen vehicle was thoroughly examined and found to contain additional items that may lead to further charges. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the nature of these items or their potential connection to other crimes. The identity of the third occupant of the vehicle remains undisclosed at this time.
The FCSO’s mission is to protect public safety, preserve peace and order, and pursue justice within the community, guided by the values of Fidelity, Competency, Selflessness, and Ownership. This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to increasingly dangerous situations involving stolen vehicles and reckless driving.
The incident raises questions about the origins of the stolen vehicle and the circumstances that led to its presence in Fauquier County, a rural area located approximately 70 miles west of Washington, D.C. The involvement of a minor in the incident also adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, prompting scrutiny of the driver’s judgment and the potential for additional charges related to the safety and well-being of the young passenger.
High-speed chases pose significant risks to both law enforcement officers and the public. The decision to initiate and continue a pursuit is often a complex one, weighing the need to apprehend a suspect against the potential for serious injury or death. The FCSO will likely review its pursuit policies and procedures in light of this incident to ensure that they are aligned with best practices and prioritize public safety.
The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. The apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen vehicle represent a successful outcome in a potentially dangerous situation, but the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
The incident occurred within Fauquier County, a region known for its equestrian culture, wineries, and scenic beauty. The disruption caused by the high-speed chase and the subsequent collision is likely to have a lasting impact on the local community, raising concerns about traffic safety and the potential for similar incidents in the future.
