18-year-old arrested after chase from Stafford County deputies

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — An 18-year-old man was arrested Friday after attempting to break into a home while armed, resulting in a chase from deputies, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say shortly before midnight on Thursday, crews received reports of a disturbance with a weapon at a home on Cynthias Place. The caller stated that a man she knew was trying to enter her home while brandishing an AR-style firearm.

A deputy spotted a man matching the description of the suspect driving near Lyons Boulevard and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the driver drove off at a high speed, prompting a pursuit by deputies.

During the chase, the suspect began driving on the wrong side of the road with no headlights on in an attempt to flee but lost control of the car, crashing into a ditch near Black Meadow Road.

The driver, identified as Jameris Asher, surrendered to deputies and was displaying signs of intoxication. Deputies then searched his car, where they found a rifle.

An initial investigation determined that Asher was upset because the victim was having a “girls’ night,” so he showed up at her home and attempted to break down the door while armed with a rifle.

Asher was charged with attempted breaking and entering while armed, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, brandishing a firearm, assault, destruction of property, interfering with the property rights of another, felony eluding, driving under the influence, reckless driving by speed, driving without headlights, and three counts of failure to stop at a traffic light.

He is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.