Drunk Driver Assaults Officers
 
By PIO Ryan Wilbur
January 27, 2023
 

A Newport News man continued to add charges to his rap sheet after his arrest for DUI yesterday in Stafford Market Place.

On January 26th at approximately 5:36 p.m. Deputy J.C. Thomas responded to a call of an intoxicated man staggering around Target located at 1090 Stafford Market Place. When deputies arrived on scene, they located the suspect in front of his vehicle. The suspect had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and advised he drove to Target to purchase more beer.

Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen observed on security cameras the suspect drive to Target before entering the store with a half empty, or half full for our optimists, Corona bottle. Deputies searched his vehicle and located multiple suspected controlled substances and paraphernalia. On top of that, it was discovered the suspect had an active warrant out of Newport News for violation of a court order. He was subsequently placed into handcuffs and transported to the Sheriff’s Office.

At the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect decided nature was calling and processed to urinate on the floor. Afterwards, the suspect began acting disorderly and aggressive towards deputies. As Deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, the suspect assaulted two deputies before realizing that was not the best idea. He eventually apologized for his behavior; however, continued making threats towards deputies.

The suspect, Rhett Burleson, 54, was charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of assault on law enforcement, and vandalism for the urination. He was served on the nine charges, as well as, his outstanding warrant. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.