Stafford VA. A suspect was arrested on drug charges early Saturday morning by units with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop and foot pursuit in the southern end of the county.

On August 17, 2019, at approximately 12:03 a.m., Deputy McAlister initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Glen Oak Road and Archer Road. The deputy then observed the driver exit the vehicle and flee from the scene on foot.

Deputy McAlister followed the suspect and additional units joined the pursuit. Deputy Myers and his K9 partner, Gunner, eventually tracked the suspect to the backyard of a residence on Hamstead Road. The suspect was found hiding in a trash can.

The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and was identified as Michael Coles, 19, of Fredericksburg. During a search of the suspect vehicle, a backpack was found containing drug paraphernalia and several clear bags containing a substance consistent with marijuana.

The suspect was charged with eluding, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, no driver’s license, and failure to stop at a stop sign. He was incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $6000.00 secured bond.