July 27, 2024

Marquilis T. Boys, who was apprehended Monday after a high-speed pursuit across three counties, is being held without bond on nine charges stemming from the pursuit. Photo courtesy RSW Regional Jail.

At 11:44 a.m. (Aug.7), Virginia State Police attempted to stop a northbound Ford Taurus for an expired tag on Interstate 81 at the 245-exit ramp in Rockingham County. The Ford failed to stop and sped away; a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued northbound on Interstate 81 into Shenandoah County then into Warren County where state police utilized a tire deflation device, which the Ford struck. The Ford continued northbound where it collided with a northbound Chevrolet Malibu.

The Ford was able to continue north then exited Interstate 81 onto eastbound Interstate 66, where a state trooper positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the Ford in an attempt to contain the vehicle. The Ford collided with the trooper’s patrol vehicle which caused the Ford to crash into the median on Interstate 66 at the 7-mile marker. Three suspects in the Ford fled on foot into the nearby Walmart but were located and taken into custody a short time later. A fourth suspect was located in the Ford and taken into custody without incident.

The driver of the Ford, Marquilis T. Boyd, 24, of Charlotte, NC, was taken into custody and charged in Rockingham County with one felony count of eluding law enforcement, in Shenandoah County with one felony count of eluding law enforcement, and in Warren County with one felony count of eluding law enforcement, one felony count of assault of law enforcement, and one felony count of hit and run. Boyd was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries before being transported to RSW Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.

Two passengers in the Ford, a 24-year-old female of Charlotte, NC, and a 21-year-old female of Holly, NC were detained and transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. They have since been released with no charges being placed at this time.

A third passenger, a 40-year-old male of Decatur, GA, was detained and transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He remains hospitalized with charges pending.

Multiple narcotics along with two handguns were recovered at the scene. One of those handguns was reported stolen out of Richmond, VA.

A state trooper suffered minor injuries when the Ford collided with his patrol vehicle. He was treated at the scene.

The pursuit reached speeds of up to 115 mph.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the state police at 540-829-7771 or #77 from a cell phone or email [email protected].

About The Author