A vehicle stolen in Stafford County was recovered after it was involved in a pursuit in Smyth County.

On January 12 at 11:05 a.m., Deputy R.W. Gill responded to CarNoVa (3899 Jefferson Davis Highway) for a report of a vehicle theft. The business owner reported a male suspect asked to take a 2012 Dodge Charger for a test drive at 10:07 a.m. The suspect left his identification card and phone number and was given the keys to the vehicle. At 11 a.m., the suspect had not returned the vehicle and the business owner attempted to call the suspect. When there was no answer, he called the Sheriff’s Office to report the vehicle stolen. Deputy Gill entered the vehicle’s license plate information into a national database as part of the investigation.

At 12:35 a.m., a Smyth County Sheriff’s Deputy observed the stolen vehicle driving at a high-rate of speed. When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued. The driver, Auvonne Jones, 24, of Memphis, Tennessee, was later stopped and arrested. He was charged with eluding, reckless driving, and possession of stolen property by the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office.

The identification card presented to CarNoVa at the time of the test drive does not match Auvonne Jones. The investigation into the vehicle theft is ongoing.