Locust Grove Man Arrested After 104 MPH Pursuit on James Madison Highway [Fauquier County, VA]
A 45-year-old Locust Grove man was arrested early Saturday morning after Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office deputies say he drove more than 100 miles per hour on James Madison Highway before turning off his headlights during a police pursuit. The pursuit ultimately ended when a deputy used a precision immobilization technique to stop the vehicle.
What Happened
At approximately 3:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, a Fauquier County deputy reportedly observed Gregory Williams, 45, of Locust Grove, traveling at 104 mph in a 60 mph zone on James Madison Highway between Opal and Remington. The deputy turned around, activated the patrol vehicle’s emergency equipment, and pursued the vehicle north.
According to authorities, the deputy initially had difficulty catching up because of the vehicle’s speed. As the pursuit entered the Opal area, Williams allegedly turned off his vehicle’s lights and continued traveling at approximately 70 mph.
Concerned about the potential danger to other motorists, the deputy used a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, which caused Williams’s vehicle to spin into the median and brought the pursuit to an end.
Williams was taken into custody and charged with felony eluding and DUI. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
High-Speed Driving and Civil Liability in Virginia
High-speed driving can create serious risks for other motorists. Under Virginia law, driving 20 mph or more above the applicable speed limit or above 85 mph regardless of the posted limit constitutes reckless driving.
Criminal charges arising from dangerous driving are separate from any civil claim that may result if another person is injured. If reckless or negligent driving causes a collision, an injured person may have grounds to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses, depending on the circumstances.
An arrest or criminal charge does not automatically establish civil liability. Evidence concerning how a crash occurred, the conduct of the drivers involved, witness statements, vehicle damage, and other information may all become relevant when determining responsibility for an accident.
In some cases involving particularly serious conduct, punitive damages may also become an issue. Whether punitive damages are available depends on the specific facts and whether the evidence satisfies Virginia’s legal requirements.
If you were injured by a speeding, reckless, or fleeing driver in Fauquier County or elsewhere in the surrounding region, our auto accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and options.
DBWLE Serves Fauquier County and the Surrounding Region
The attorneys at Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC serve clients throughout Fauquier County, Warrenton, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Stafford County, Louisa County, Orange County, Rappahannock County, Madison County, Greene County, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, and Caroline County.
Contact DBWLE today for a free, confidential consultation. There is no cost and no obligation to speak with our team.
Source: FauquierNow / Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, September 28, 2026
Map of James Madison Highway near Opal in Fauquier County, where authorities reported the high-speed pursuit.
