Driver's Minor Traffic Violation Leads To Standoff: Deputies

STAFFORD, VA—A Woodbridge man is behind bars following a 20-minute standoff with Stafford County sheriff deputies Thursday.

Eddie Rivers, III, 39, of Woodbridge is charged with eluding, driving after forfeiture of license, obstruction and making an illegal U-turn.

According to officers, Rivers's arrest all started over a minor traffic violation before escalating into something bigger.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. Thursday, deputies said First Sgt. Johnson witnessed a Ford Fusion make an illegal U-turn on Staffordboro Boulevard. Johnson activated his blue lights to conduct a traffic stop, but Rivers failed to stop.

Instead, deputies said Rivers slammed on his brakes and tried to enter the Staffordboro McDonald’s parking lot. Rivers was unable to make the turn, so deputies said he ran over the curb and went back onto Staffordboro Boulevard.

Deputies said Rivers continued to the intersection with Garrisonville Road and turned westbound. He then made a right turn into the McDonald’s entrance from Garrisonville Road and proceeded to drive completely around the fast food business with Johnson in pursuit.

As the Rivers returned to the drive-thru side of the business, deputies said he briefly stopped and was ordered to show his hands. Instead, officers said he put the vehicle in reverse and backed toward the law enforcement vehicle. Rivers continued to reverse and eventually stopped in a parking space.

For the next twenty minutes, deputies said they attempted to reason with Rivers and have him show his hands; however, he refused to comply with instructions.

After exhausting attempts to reason with the suspect, deputies said they approached the vehicle using a ballistic shield as cover. Rivers still refused to cooperate. Deputies utilized OC spray and were able to remove him from the vehicle.

Rivers was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.