Eluding Law Enforcement, Stalking Charges Facing Stafford Man: Sheriff

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 38-year-old Stafford man is facing multiple charges, including stalking and felony destruction of property, after ignoring an attempted traffic stop and then leading Stafford County Sheriff's deputies on a chase Wednesday night, according to authorities.

Sheriff's deputies responded around 11 p.m. to the area of Sun Bluff Way south of Fredericksburg for the report of a disturbance. The caller told the sheriff's office that a man was standing on a vehicle that was not his, stomping on it, shouting and trying to break into it, according to the incident report.

When the deputies arrived on the scene, the man drove off in his own vehicle and they attempted to make traffic stop, according to the sheriff's office. When the man refused to pull over, a pursuit began and continued through the area of the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Eventually, the man stopped and exited the vehicle and then tried to feel on foot near I-95 and the Sponsylvania Parkway, according to the sheriff's office. After a brief pursuit on foot, deputies were able to take the man into custody without incident.

Deputies arrested Moriano Lardge of Stafford, charging him with felony eluding, driving under the influence, stalking, felony destruction of property, expired registration, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. SCSO also served Lardge with an open Capias warrant from Spotsylvania County. He was then held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

On Thursday morning, Lardge was arraigned in Spotsylvania General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept. 25, according to court records.

The fleeing from law enforcement, DWI-first offense, and stalking charges are Class 1 misdemeanors and each punishible by 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, under the Code of Virginia. Lardge faces an additional charge of stalking stemming from an incident that occurred on June 24.

Although the destruction of property and eluding police charges are a Class 6 felonies, they each carry the same punishments as the misdemeanors. If convicted, Lardge could be sentenced up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500 on each of the charges, according to the Virginia Code.