HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- Authorities are searching for a 34-year-old man accused of assaulting two deputies during a traffic stop and then stealing a driver's pickup truck Friday morning in Hanover County.
Sgt. James R. Cooper, public information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, said a deputy pulled over a driver for a traffic violation on Mechanicsville Turnpike near I-295 just before 10:50 a.m.
"During the course of the stop, the suspect, Marcus Darrell Wright, 34, of Aylett, became combative, assaulted two deputies," Cooper said.
Marcus Darrell Wright (SOURCE: DMV photo via Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
A driver who was merging on to I-295 spotted the struggle.
"Once he got around the loop and onto the interstate he pulled over on the bridge overlooking Route 360," Cooper said.
But by that time the suspect fled the deputies, which the driver did not realize.
"As his back was turned, the suspect came out of the woods and jumped in truck and took off," Cooper said.
The stolen pickup was later recovered in Essex County.
The deputies suffered minor injuries.
Wright is wanted on a slew of charges, including two counts of Assault on Law Enforcement, as well as Eluding, Reckless driving, Unauthorized use of a Vehicle, Larceny and Possession of Marijuana.
If you have seen Wright, contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 804-365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 (CRIMES), using the keyword “iTip” followed by their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous and can result in a reward of up to $1,000.
