Three suspects may be too young to remember Eddie Rabbit’s 1980 hit “I Love a Rainy Night,” but they are certainly not loving the aftermath of a pursuit during a rainy night this weekend. They could try to “Blame It on the Rain” but the driver’s poor decision making led to his arrest at the conclusion of the chase.

On July 15th at 9:30 p.m. Deputy C.R. Newman observed a southbound black Toyota Corolla travelling 53 mph in the posted 35 mph zone of the 2000 block of Richmond Highway. He attempted a traffic stop at Hospital Center Boulevard and the driver turned toward the hospital as though he was looking for a place to stop. Instead of stopping, the driver made an abrupt U-turn and passed through the red traffic signal across Richmond Highway toward the divergent diamond.

The pursuit continued in the heavy rain onto northbound I-95 as speeds approached 85-90 mph. The suspect weaved through traffic using all lanes of travel and the shoulder to pass other vehicles. The reflection of the blue and red emergency lights against the raindrops created a “Purple Rain” effect.

The driver exited I-95 to Garrisonville Road, but continued back around on the ramp to I-95 South. Deputy Newman attempted to end the pursuit with intentional vehicle contact, but was unsuccessful as the suspect recovered from a 360-degree spin and took the ramp going back to eastbound Garrisonville Road. The “Rhythm of the Falling Rain” could be heard on the patrol cars as the pursuit continued.
It wasn’t a question of “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” but a question of who’ll stop the pursuit. Sergeant J.W. Hutcheson had joined the pursuit and seized the opportunity to use intentional vehicle contact to stop the Corolla before it could get to Richmond Highway. The push bumper of Sgt. Hutcheson’s patrol car locked onto the rear bumper of the Corolla like a fish on a hook.

As the car stopped, deputies may have thought, “It’s Raining Men” as three male suspects were ordered from the vehicle. None of the suspects had an “Umbrella” so fortunately it wasn’t a cold “November Rain.” The suspects definitely had “Raindrops Falling on Their Heads.”

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of evidence, including three firearms. The driver was identified as Derry Barcenas, 20, of Woodbridge. He was charged with felony eluding, driving after illegally consuming alcohol, concealed weapon, concealed weapon while intoxicated, possession of a weapon with drugs, underage possession of alcohol, underage possession of tobacco, reckless driving, improper passing, and a traffic light violation.

The passengers were identified as Deomany Melgar Guardado, 20 and Isiah Campbell, 20 both of Woodbridge. Each was charged with concealed weapon, concealed weapon while intoxicated, possession of a firearm with drugs, and underage possession of alcohol. All three suspects were held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The band Garbage is “Only Happy When It Rains,” but the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is only happy when intoxicated people use a sober ride! The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is “No Stranger to the Rain,” whether its a “Kentucky Rain,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” or a “Rainy Night in Georgia” we will be there to take intoxicated drivers off the road.

Interested in helping keep Stafford County safe? We are hiring! Visit staffordsheriff.com or call 540-658-5204 to speak with our Recruiter. Already certified? Find out where you would land on our Public Safety Pay Scale.