From the Stafford Sheriff’s Office:
Two men are in hot water after an unsanctioned early morning race along Jefferson Davis Highway.
At 12:50 a.m. Wednesday morning, Deputy J.D. Hurt was traveling northbound on Jefferson Davis Highway near Foreston Woods Drive when two vehicles came racing southbound on Jefferson Davis Highway toward him at over 90 mph. Deputy Hurt turned around and activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop as both vehicles proceeded through the red traffic signal and turned left onto Foreston Woods Drive.
One of the suspects stopped along Foreston Woods Drive, while the second suspect refused to stop and fled into the apartment complex behind the Post Office. The suspect that stopped was identified as Luke Brackney, 28, of Stafford. Brackney exhibited clues of intoxication and was found to have a suspended license. An open alcohol container was located in his vehicle and a suspected controlled substance was found in his pocket. He was charged with DUI, reckless driving by speed, reckless driving racing, possession of a controlled substance, driving suspended, drinking while driving and the traffic signal violation. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 bond.
While Deputy Hurt dealt with Brackney, other deputies converged on the apartment complex in an attempt to locate the other racer, who was operating a grey Ford Taurus. Deputies did determine the two suspects are known to each other. Deputy M.A. Holub located the second vehicle near 112 White Pine Circle. A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of a 6’ tall, 225 pound Christian Peranio attempting to conceal himself behind a 6” diameter tree. Obviously, this hiding spot was ineffective and Peranio, 27, of Stafford was taken into custody. Peranio was offered field sobriety tests and arrested. An open container of alcohol was also discovered in his car. Peranio was charged with DUI, reckless driving by speed, reckless driving racing, eluding and drinking while driving. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 bond.
If the race was to see who would arrive at jail first, Brackney won with a time of 3:21 a.m., while Peranio clocked in at 3:57 a.m.
