A Portsmouth man faces multiple charges after speeding and assaulting law enforcement.

On August 15th, around 10:07 a.m. Deputy S.C. Martin was driving northbound on Richmond Highway, and observed a grey Dodge Charger traveling southbound at 62 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. Deputy Martin activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop at the intersection of Port Aquia Drive.

Deputy Martin would ask the driver for his license and registration; however, the driver refused. After politely asking the driver multiple times to identify himself, and the driver not complying, Deputy Martin attempted to arrest the driver.

The driver would not exit the vehicle. Deputy Martin attempted to unlock the vehicle from the open window and the driver slapped Deputy Martin’s hand away. The driver would then roll up the window to trap Deputy Martin’s arm in the window. Deputy Martin was able to open the vehicle’s door and again attempted to arrest the driver. While attempting to get him out of the vehicle, the driver reached towards the center console where a handgun was located.

Deputy Martin was able to remove the driver and place him in handcuffs. The driver was identified by his suspended driver’s license as Dominique Santiful, 30. Santiful was charged with driving while suspended, failure to identify himself to law enforcement, assault on law enforcement, speeding, and driving without insurance. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. The handgun was determined to be lawfully possessed and was held for safekeeping.