Martinsville Man Arrested After Police Pursuit Following Larceny Incident
- BTW21
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
October 13, 2025 – Martinsville, VA - A local man was arrested late Sunday night, October 12, 2025, after a brief but intense police pursuit across several streets in Martinsville.
The incident began at approximately 9:33 p.m., when Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a white Nissan Sentra in the parking lot of Eden Jewelry, located at 1131 Memorial Blvd.
The vehicle had matched the description of a suspect car allegedly involved in a larceny earlier that evening at the nearby Dollar General store, located at 25 Jack Dalton Rd.
As deputies approached the vehicle, they identified the driver as 37-year-old Darris Simmons, who appeared to match the description of the suspect caught on surveillance footage from the Dollar General store.
Despite multiple commands from law enforcement to exit the vehicle, Simmons refused to comply.
When deputies attempted to open the door, Simmons allegedly grabbed one of the officers' hands, preventing them from accessing the vehicle.
In a swift escalation, Simmons put the car in drive and fled the scene, prompting deputies to initiate a high-speed pursuit.
The chase proceeded down Memorial Blvd., through Fayette St., and into the Fieldale Community.
The pursuit came to a dramatic end at the intersection of Carver Rd. and Farmview Dr., when deputies successfully executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, which caused Simmons' vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a small embankment, flipping onto its side.
Simmons was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.
Although he was offered medical treatment by Henry County Public Safety, Simmons declined.
He was transported to the Henry County Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
Simmons faces a range of serious charges, including:
18.2-57 – Assault on Law Enforcement
18.2-460 – Obstruction of Justice
46.2-817 – Felony Eluding Police
46.2-862 – Reckless Driving by Speed
46.2-1030 – Operating Vehicle Without Headlights
46.2-804 – Passing on a Double Yellow Line
46.2-802 – Failure to Drive on the Right Side of the Roadway
46.2-1094 – Failure to Wear Seatbelt
46.2-821 – Failure to Stop at Stop Sign
18.2-103 – Shoplifting
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the larceny incident at Dollar General and is expected to provide further updates as the case progresses.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit or arrest.
Authorities are reminding the public that evading law enforcement is a serious offense, carrying significant legal consequences.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face during traffic stops and pursuits, as well as the swift response needed to ensure public safety during high-stakes situations.
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