AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — A Waynesboro man was arrested on Thursday after the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office attempted to severe multiple probation violation warrants from Madison County.

Sheriff Donald Smith says that during the encounter, 33-year-old Brandom William Fitzner exited a window, entered a vehicle, and fled the scene, leading deputies on a pursuit. The pursuit was terminated by Augusta County deputies when it entered Albemarle County.

The Sheriff says the Virginia State Police continued to assist in the incident and during the course of the pursuit in the Albemarle and Charlottesville area, the suspect vehicle struck multiple vehicles, drove through railroad crossing gates, and ultimately crashed. Fitzner then fled the scene on foot and eluded law enforcement.

As a result of the incident, warrants were obtained for felony eluding law enforcement (§ 46.2-817) and misdemeanor obstruction of justice (§ 18.2-460) by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Smith says that on April 23, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Kingsbury Drive in Waynesboro and that the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, K9 units, and drone units were deployed to ensure that Fitzner was taken into custody safely. Brandon William Fitzner was located inside the residence and was taken into custody.

Fitzner was served with the following charges:

  • Felony eluding law enforcement (§ 46.2-817) – 2 counts
  • Obstruction of justice (§ 18.2-460)
  • Felony possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances (§ 18.2-250)
  • Failure to appear in court (§ 19.2-128)
  • Felony probation violations (§ 19.2-306) – 6 counts
  • Operating a vehicle without insurance (§ 46.2-707)
  • Driving on a revoked/suspended license (§ 46.2-301)
  • Hit and run (§ 46.2-896) – 4 counts

Fitzner was held without bond and is currently in Middle River Regional Jail.

“This individual demonstrated a reckless disregard for public safety, placing numerous motorists at risk during this incident. I am proud of the coordinated efforts of our deputies and our law enforcement partners to bring this situation to a safe conclusion and take the Mr. Fitzner into custody,” said Sheriff Donald Smith.