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An Ararat man was arrested Feb. 27 after leading law enforcement officers on a 21-mile, high-speed chase, according to a news release from Captain Ward Stone of the Patrick County Sheriff's Office.

Mark W. Gates, 28, was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, eluding police officers, obstructing justice, and driving with a suspended license.

At 12:18 p.m. Saturday, "an alert citizen called the Patrick County Dispatch Center from the M&M Convenience Store in Critz and reported that two men so intoxicated they could not walk straight just left the store spinning tires, almost hitting two cars, and headed west on Rt. 58 driving a black Camaro," Stone said.

The dispatch center issued a "be on the lookout" or BOL. Lt. Rob Coleman met the BOL vehicle at Pioneer Community Hospital, turned around and caught up with it at W&W Produce.

Lt. Coleman said he paced the Camaro traveling 83 mph in a 45 mph zone. He activated his blue lights and siren but the Camaro driver refused to stop and continued driving at a high rate of speed, according to Stone's report. Deputy Dustin Foley joined the pursuit on Rt. 8 north.

Virginia State Police Officer Richard McClanahan placed a spike strip on Rt. 8 at the Patrick-Floyd county line. After crossing the spike strip the Camaro stopped at the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass.

In addition to the felony charges, Gates was also charged issued summonses for failure to wear a seatbelt, having no liability insurance, and driving with expired vehicle registration. Additional charges are pending.

Gates was released on $2,000 secured bond.

The man riding with Gates was charged with being drunk in public.

Lt. Coleman and Deputy Foley were the arresting officers.

Sheriff Dan Smith reported the following arrests:

*Robert Bedsaul, 28, of Claudville, was arrested Feb. 26 on charges of breaking and entering, grand larceny and destruction of property, with Anna Armstrong listed as the victim.

Bond was set at $5,000 secured.

Investigator K.M. McGrath made the arrest.

*Ralph L. Kramer, 62, of Stuart, was arrested March 2 on indictment charges of assault and battery, sexual battery, and taking indecent liberties with a minor.

Kramer was released on $5,000 unsecured bond.

Lt. K.E. Layman made the arrest.

*Christopher Allen Odum, 32, of Claudville, was arrested March 2 on an indictment charge of illegal possession of a firearm.

Odum was held without bond.

Investigator N.L. Pendleton made the arrest.

*Kenneth Hawkins, 29, of Ararat, was arrested March 1 on a capias for failure to appear in court.

Hawkins was released on $1,500 unsecured bond.

Deputy J.W. Kruse made the arrest for Buchanan County.

*Keith Alan Hubbard, 22, of Meadows of Dan, was arrested March 1 on charges of driving under the influence and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license.

Hubbard was released on $1,500 unsecured bond.

Sheriff Dan Smith made the arrest.

*Troy Leon Swann, 29, of Stuart, was arrested March 2 on a charge of making annoying phone calls.


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	Ararat man arrested after high-speed chase in county An Ararat man was arrested Feb. 27 after leading law enforcement officers on a 21-mile, high-speed chase, according to a news release from Captain Ward Stone of the Patrick County Sheriff's Office. Mark W. Gates, 28, was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, eluding police officers, obstructing justice, and driving with a suspended license. At 12:18 p.m. Saturday, "an alert citizen called the Patrick County Dispatch Center from the M&M Convenience Store in Critz and reported that two men so intoxicated they could not walk straight just left the store spinning tires, almost hitting two cars, and headed west on Rt. 58 driving a black Camaro," Stone said. The dispatch center issued a "be on the lookout" or BOL. Lt. Rob Coleman met the BOL vehicle at Pioneer Community Hospital, turned around and caught up with it at W&W Produce. Lt. Coleman said he paced the Camaro traveling 83 mph in a 45 mph zone. He activated his blue lights and siren but the Camaro driver refused to stop and continued driving at a high rate of speed, according to Stone's report. Deputy Dustin Foley joined the pursuit on Rt. 8 north. Virginia State Police Officer Richard McClanahan placed a spike strip on Rt. 8 at the Patrick-Floyd county line. After crossing the spike strip the Camaro stopped at the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass. In addition to the felony charges, Gates was also charged issued summonses for failure to wear a seatbelt, having no liability insurance, and driving with expired vehicle registration. Additional charges are pending. Gates was released on $2,000 secured bond. The man riding with Gates was charged with being drunk in public. Lt. Coleman and Deputy Foley were the arresting officers. Sheriff reports recent arrests Sheriff Dan Smith reported the following arrests: Robert Bedsaul, 28, of Claudville, was arrested Feb. 26 on charges of breaking and entering, grand larceny and destruction of property, with Anna Armstrong listed as the victim. Bond was set at $5,000 secured. Investigator K.M. McGrath made the arrest. Ralph L. Kramer, 62, of Stuart, was arrested March 2 on indictment charges of assault and battery, sexual battery, and taking indecent liberties with a minor. Kramer was released on $5,000 unsecured bond. Lt. K.E. Layman made the arrest. Christopher Allen Odum, 32, of Claudville, was arrested March 2 on an indictment charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Odum was held without bond. Investigator N.L. Pendleton made the arrest. Kenneth Hawkins, 29, of Ararat, was arrested March 1 on a capias for failure to appear in court. Hawkins was released on $1,500 unsecured bond. Deputy J.W. Kruse made the arrest for Buchanan County. Keith Alan Hubbard, 22, of Meadows of Dan, was arrested March 1 on charges of driving under the influence and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. Hubbard was released on $1,500 unsecured bond. Sheriff Dan Smith made the arrest. Troy Leon Swann, 29, of Stuart, was arrested March 2 on a charge of making annoying phone calls. Swann was released on a summons. Deputy L.J. Martin made the arrest.