AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Roanoke man Thursday night after a traffic stop turned into a vehicle pursuit.

Sheriff Donald Smith says that on February 26, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a deputy with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Interstate 81 for speeding. The vehicle was observed traveling at 83 mph.

Smith says when the deputy caught up to the vehicle, it immediately exited at the Verona exit, disregarding the stop sign. The driver refused to stop and eluded deputies on Laurel Hill Road, through the Riverside subdivision, then back onto Laurel Hill Road, and subsequently ending in the Verona Food Lion parking lot.

The Sheriff notes that the vehicle spun out of control within the parking lot before continuing behind the building. The deputy was able to pin the suspect vehicle in behind the structure. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A Sheriff’s Office K9 assisted deputies in apprehending the male driver without further incident.

The driver was identified as Jerry Wayne Underwood Jr., 41, of Roanoke. Underwood was wanted on two separate probation violations. The following charges were obtained by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office;

  • 19.2-306 – Probation Violation for Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine – (Franklin County)
  • 19.2-306 – Probation Violation for Felony Eluding Law Enforcement and Two Counts of Hit and Run – (Roanoke City)
  • 18.2-248 – Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I or II Drug (Third or Subsequent Offense)
  • 18.2-250 – Possession of Schedule I or II Drug
  • 18.2-308.2 – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • 18.2-308.4 – Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
  • 18.2-308.2 – Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
  • 46.2-817 – Felony Eluding Law Enforcement

Sheriff Smith says Underwood was transported to Augusta Health for medical treatment. He was treated and released and is currently being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

There were no reported injuries to deputies or members of the public. This incident remains under investigation.

“Our deputies demonstrated professionalism, restraint and teamwork during a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation. When individuals choose to flee and disregard the safety of others, we will take decisive action to protect our community. I am proud of the coordinated efforts that led to this apprehension without injury to the public or our deputies,” said Sheriff Donald L. Smith.