Patrick Springs Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase During Countywide Drug Operation
- BTW21
- May 5
- 1 min read
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (BTW21) — A high-speed chase through Patrick County ended in a dramatic crash and arrest on April 30 during a countywide narcotics interdiction operation.
The operation, led by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Martinsville Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, targeted drug activity across the region.
Authorities say the incident began when deputies attempted to pull over a silver BMW for multiple traffic violations near the intersection of Jeb Stuart Highway and Woodland Drive.
The driver, later identified as 47-year-old Mark Lucas Tatum of Patrick Springs, initially slowed down as if to comply before suddenly fleeing at high speed.
The pursuit stretched across multiple rural roads, including Poplar Drive, New Hope Church Road, and High Point Church Road, as Tatum reportedly drove recklessly to evade capture.
Deputies successfully ended the pursuit using a Precision Immobilization Technique PIT maneuver, which caused Tatum’s vehicle to crash. He was arrested at the scene without further incident.
During the chase, Tatum allegedly threw a handgun and narcotics from the vehicle, according to investigators.
He is currently being held without bond at the Patrick County Jail and faces a charge of felony eluding a law enforcement officer.
Additional charges are expected, pending analysis from the state forensic lab.
No injuries were reported during the incident. A patrol vehicle sustained minor damage, while Tatum’s BMW was significantly damaged in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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